Is your team’s productivity quietly slipping?

Why Productivity is Slipping — And What You Can Do About It

From absenteeism to “coffee badging,” today’s workplace challenges can take a real toll on performance — and most leaders don’t even see it happening. Here's a breakdown of the silent productivity killers, what's driving them, and how you can tackle them head-on.

1. Absenteeism: Empty Workstations, Full Costs

Everyone needs a day off now and then. But when absenteeism becomes a pattern, it causes operational headaches and impacts your bottom line.

 What’s Driving It:

• Mental health struggles (anxiety, burnout, depression)

• Overloaded schedules and lack of work-life balance

• Toxic work culture or lack of purpose

📉 The Impact:

• In the U.S., absenteeism jumped from 3.2% in 2021 to over 6% in recent years

• It’s costing businesses an average of $4,080+ per full-time employee annually

• National cost: $600+ billion in lost productivity

How to Fix It:

• Offer flexible schedules and wellness programs

• Promote open conversations around health

• Consider remote work options where possible

  
  

2. Presenteeism: When Showing Up Isn’t Productive

Presenteeism happens when employees come to work despite being unwell or mentally checked out. The result? Lower performance, more mistakes — and higher costs.

What’s Driving It:

• Fear of being labeled “lazy” or unreliable

• Pressure from managers or peers

• Lack of support for mental and physical health

📉 The Impact:

• 1 in 4 employees work while dealing with personal health issues

• Costs U.S. businesses over $1,500+ per employee/year

• 10x more expensive than absenteeism

How to Fix It:

• Encourage employees to take time off when needed

• Support both physical and mental health equally

• Review workloads regularly to prevent burnout

  
  

3. Disengagement: The Quiet Exit

Some employees might be physically present—but mentally long gone. Disengagement shows up as lower effort, apathy, and a fading connection to their work.

What’s Driving It:

• Lack of career growth or recognition

• Poor job-role alignment

• Bad management or toxic environments

📉 The Impact:

• Only 23% of employees feel fully engaged at work

• Disengaged employees cost companies 18% of their salary

• Globally, lost engagement equals $8.9 trillion in loss

How to Fix It:

• Give regular check-ins and feedback

• Recognize contributions and offer growth paths

• Foster a culture of trust, purpose, and impact

  
  

4. Solutions to Combat Productivity Killers

To improve output and morale, organizations should:

• Encourage flexible work schedules

• Promote employee wellness through mental health programs

• Create a culture of trust and recognition

• Assign meaningful, strength-based work to foster motivation

  
  

5. How a Staffing Partner Can Help

Partnering with a staffing firm like Makena Tech Solutions offers a strategic edge:

• Temporary workforce coverage for absenteeism or burnout gaps

• Right-fit talent to boost engagement and culture

• Fast access to vetted professionals for urgent needs