A different sort of definition from across the pond . . .

While we define presenteeism as showing up for work while functioning at a fraction of productive capacity, our British cousins have a related but somewhat different take on the word. For them, its the behavior (or behaviour) of suck-ups who stick around the office trying to look meaningfully busy. Here's their take on the subject:

"Among the new words hauled in from current usage and pinned down in the latest edition of the Collins Concise Dictionary is 'presenteeism'. Maybe an eager drone had stayed late in the office to ensure it was there, for 'presenteeism' is defined as working longer hours and taking fewer holidays than the boss demands.

Who would do such a thing? Those who feel that their job is insecure, answers the man credited with coining the term, Cary Cooper, Professor of Organisational Psychology and Health at Manchester University's UMIST."

Credit - Sally Kinnes, www.stressbusting.co.uk