According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Mexico leads in the number of hours worked per worker, with 2,137 hours per year. However, despite this high number of hours worked, Mexico’s productivity is not as high as it could be. In fact, the contribution to GDP per hour worked is only 22.2 dollars, which is below the average for countries with fewer working hours.
There are many factors that contribute to productivity, and simply working long hours is not enough. Productive employees require a healthy work culture, attention to psychosocial risks, and care for their mental health. Workplace presenteeism is a growing problem that affects both employees and companies. This phenomenon refers to when a worker attends their job but their performance is subpar due to factors such as excessive workloads, stress, anxiety, depression, burnout or negative work environments.
To combat workplace presenteeism and improve productivity, companies must assess their risks and implement measures to support the mental health of their employees. Neglecting psychosocial risks can trigger presenteeism and negatively impact productivity. Affor Health, a consulting firm specialized in psychosocial preventive management notes that presenteeism can have a significant impact on company productivity. Companies should prioritize creating a supportive work environment where employees feel valued and heard, providing resources for mental health support and addressing any negative work environments promptly.