November 23, 2009

Presenteeism ~the gift that you didn’t ask for but can’t find a way to return ~



As the holiday season is upon us, besides being labeled as the most wonderful time of the year, it’s also the onslaught of cold and flu season. Despite being ill, many people continue to come to work. This is often due to feelings of job insecurity or lack of paid sick leave.

What is Presenteeism? Sadly, it’s not a present. Unless you consider bestowing your presence at work a gift to others. Presenteeism is the complement of absenteeism. You’re at work~ but not fully engaged due to personal and life issue distractions.

These distractions could be your own sickness or concerns about other family or friend’s health or wellbeing. Or focusing on things you think you ‘should be doing’ rather than work. All resulting in limited productivity.

To combat presenteeism due to illness, the best medicine is prevention. Taking care of your health by ensuring you’re getting enough rest, eating healthy and exercising. Or taking off time when your body needs it. Remember that you can’t take care of your loved ones or prepare for the holidays if you aren’t caring for yourself.

Although my heroine, Celeste, from That Magic Moment encounters other issues with being present in the moment. As a witch and a healer, she’s not bothered with the pesky illnesses that we mortals endure. Instead she’s distracted by a gorgeous man. Something most would welcome over a cold or flu. So why is she so bothered? Well, you’ll have to read it to find out. As a Faery Rosette from The Wild Rose Press, it’s the perfect length to fit in between naps if you’re catching up on rest, or to provide sweet dreams before bedtime.

The gift I wish for all of you is that of good health, joyous holidays and blissful escapes into the world that exists within the pages of a good story.

Also the gift I'll provide today is that of a five dollar Starbucks gift card and a copy of THAT MAGIC MOMENT to a randomly chosen commenter today.


Visit me at:
http://maureensmuse.blogspot.com/
myspace.com/mbonatch

Or to purchase my Faery Rosette That Magic Moment visit the Wild Rose Press at:
www.thewildpress.com

14 comments:

Maureen said...

Morning! I know it's early- just wanted to see if anyone was 'present yet' :)
Maureen

Anna Kathryn Lanier said...

Good morning, Maureen. Great post and a timely one. Thanks for being my guest today.

Anonymous said...

Presenteeism strikes a personal note with me. This year I've vowed to stay healthy and have been washing my hands a million times a day. Unfortunately my fingernails are paying the price. Still, what's a few chipped nails compaired to my health.

I love the cover of your book. It draws you in and makes you want to buy it. Great blog, and thanks for teaching me a new word. I guess you can teach an old dog something new:)
Boone Brux

Maureen said...

Boone Brux
I think everyone is especially concerned about thier own and others health this year. Kudos to you for taking precautions.
I've found many haven't heard about presenteeism- the word, not the concept-
Thanks for the kind words about my cover and for stopping by!
Maureen

Author Roast and Toast said...

I wish the same for you. And lots of family and friends to love you.

Never touch your face and you will prevent many colds and flu problems.
It takes a conscious effort not to do that. But if you do, it works. I haven't had a cold or flu in twenty years,(Knock wood), I use the hand stuff in the grocery store too.

Maureen said...

Mary- 20 years without a cold or flu! Wow that is awesome! It IS the little things that make a difference isn't it? Enjoy your holidays!
Maureen

Scifibookcat said...

What a timely post! I just got back to work after 10 days home in bed with the flu, which I caught at work. Both staff and customers think it's OK to come into the bookstore and touch everything and cough all over everyone.

Maureen said...

scifibookcat
I hope you are feeling better! Thanks for stopping by.
Maureen

Jana Richards said...

Hi Maureen,
So far this season no flu. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, and soon we'll be getting our flu shots, hopefully this week.

I'm impressed with Mary's record of 20 years without a cold or flu. I'm not sure I'd be disciplined enough not to touch my face. I'm am however washing my hands a lot.

Jana

Maureen said...

Jana,
I have a hard time not touching my face either, I know I shouldn't but catch myself resting my hand on my chin etc.
To always avoid that - now that's being mindful of the moment!
Maureen

Maureen said...

Thank you for being a gracious hostess Anna Kathryn!
The winner of the e-copy of THAT MAGIC MOMENT and a five dollar Starbucks gift certificate is Boonebrux!
Please contact me with the email address you would like the story sent to and your snail-mail address for your gift certificate at mbonatch@yahoo.com
I hope everyone has healthy holidays!
Maureen

Unknown said...

MAUREEN--interesting word you invented. It does make sense. And thank you for your good wishes, and Happy Thanksgiving to you.
Celia Yeary
SHOWDOWN IN SOUTHFORK: eBook available at:
www.thewildrosepress.com
ALL MY HOPES AND DREAMS-a Cactus Rose—
Print and eBook available at: www.thewildrosepress.com
www.celiayeary.com
http://www.celiayeary.blogspot.com

Maureen said...

Celia- actually presenteeism is a real word and something marketed to for employee wellness programs. I know many have never heard of it.lol
Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your holiday!
Maureen

Alice Audrey said...

I'll take that wish for good health. This year especially we could all use it.