Culture of presenteeism: emergent perspectives from an NHS-workforce convenience sample.

This article examines the culture of presenteeism—defined as working while unwell—among staff of the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), focusing on how this practice persisted and evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic and periods of annual winter pressure. Based on 20 in-depth interviews with NHS primary- and secondary-care staff, the study finds that presenteeism is deeply rooted in healthcare workers’ sense of duty and identification with NHS institutional goals, motivating them to continue working even when ill, including through remote work during pandemic isolation rules. While COVID-19 prompted greater awareness of infection risks and made staying home when unwell more acceptable, remote working enabled a form of presenteeism to continue, reflecting enduring systemic challenges and workforce pressures. The findings highlight the complex ethical and organizational dynamics influencing NHS staff behavior and suggest the need for further research on the consequences of presenteeism in healthcare settings.