The Year-End Burnout Crisis: Presenteeism and ‘Coffee Badging’ Take Their Toll
As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves facing a familiar foe: year-end burnout. But this year, experts are pointing to two particular culprits fueling the fire: presenteeism and “coffee badging.”
Presenteeism: Showing Up, Even When You Shouldn’t
Presenteeism, the act of coming to work even when sick or mentally unwell, is on the rise. “We’re seeing a real increase in people pushing through, even when they’re struggling,” says Dr. Sarah Jones, an occupational psychologist. “This creates a culture where taking time off is seen as a sign of weakness, which can lead to a vicious cycle of burnout and diminished productivity.”
‘Coffee Badging’: The Illusion of Busyness
Compounding the problem is “coffee badging,” a trendy term describing the act of constantly being seen with a coffee mug, often as a symbol of dedication and hard work.
“It’s a way of signaling, ‘I’m committed, I’m here’ even if what they’re actually doing is unproductive or simply procrastination,” explains career coach Mark Williams.
Williams warns that this behavior creates a “culture of performative busyness” where individuals prioritize appearing busy over achieving results.
Impact on the Workplace
Both presenteeism and coffee badging have damaging consequences for both employees and organizations.
The Human Cost
For individuals, these practices can lead to:
- Increased stress and anxiety
- Decreased job satisfaction
- Physical health problems
“It’s a lose-lose situation,” says Dr. Jones. “Employees end up feeling depleted and demoralized, which ultimately impacts their performance and well-being.”
Organizational Fallout
Organizations also suffer when presenteeism and coffee badging become ingrained in the culture.
- Decreased productivity and output
- Higher absenteeism rates
- Increased staff turnover
“When employees feel pressured to constantly ‘be on,’ it creates a unsustainable environment,” Williams explains. “It leads to burnout, mistakes, and ultimately, a less productive workforce.”
Breaking the Cycle: What Can Be Done?
Experts agree that addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach.
Leadership Responsibility
Leaders must actively promote a culture that values well-being and encourages employees to take breaks without fear of judgment. “It’s about shifting the mindset from presenteeism to productivity,” says Dr. Jones. “Leaders need to set the example by taking breaks themselves and encouraging their teams to do the same.”
Setting Boundaries
Employees also need to learn to establish healthy boundaries. It’s important to prioritize self-care and disconnect from work outside of working hours.
“It’s okay to say ‘no’ to after-hours requests and take time for yourself,” Williams advises. “You’ll be more productive and engaged when you’re well-rested and recharged.”
Focusing on Outcomes, Not Appearances
Finally, organizations need to shift their focus from presenteeism to outcomes.
“We need to move away from measuring success by hours worked or ‘face time’ and instead focus on what people actually achieve,” says Dr. Jones. “This will create a culture that values results and encourages employees to prioritize their well-being.”
Addressing the year-end burnout crisis requires a collective effort. By promoting healthy workplace practices, prioritizing well-being, and focusing on outcomes, organizations can create a more sustainable and productive environment for everyone.
How can employers effectively address the issue of ”coffee badging” in their company culture?
## The Year-End Burnout Crisis: Presenteeism is Still a Problem
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re talking about the year-end burnout crisis and two particular trends fueling it: presenteeism and “coffee badging.” Joining us to discuss this is Dr. Sarah Jones, an occupational psychologist. Welcome to the show, Dr. Jones.
**Dr. Jones:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** First, let’s talk about presenteeism. This is the act of coming to work even when sick or mentally unwell. Why is this becoming such a problem, especially around the holidays?
**Dr. Jones:** Unfortunately, we’re seeing a real increase in presenteeism, and the holiday season can exacerbate it. There’s a lot of pressure to be productive and wrap things up before the year ends. Many people feel they can’t afford to take time off, even when they’re truly struggling. As we saw in a recent report by the BBC [[1](https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20230718-post-pandemic-presenteeism-overwork-culture)], presenteeism was still a problem in the UK in 2022 with 65% of employees reporting experiencing it. This creates a culture where taking time off is seen as a sign of weakness, leading to a vicious cycle of burnout and diminished productivity.
**Interviewer:** And “coffee badging,” this is a new term I’m hearing. Can you explain what it is and why it’s a problem?
**Dr. Jones:** “Coffee badging” is all about appearances. It’s when people constantly carry around a coffee mug, almost like a badge of honor, to signal their dedication and hard work, even if they’re not actually productive. [ [1](https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20230718-post-pandemic-presenteeism-overwork-culture) ]While it might seem harmless, it creates a “culture of performative busyness” where focusing on looking busy takes precedence over actually accomplishing things.
**Interviewer:** What can employers do to combat these trends and create a healthier work environment?
**Dr. Jones:** There are steps employers can take, such as promoting a culture that values well-being and encourages employees to take time off when needed. They can also implement policies that discourage presenteeism and coffee badging, like flexible work arrangements and clear expectations about work hours.
**Interviewer:** Great advice, Dr. Jones. Thank you so much for joining us today and shedding light on these important issues.
