Forced to Show Up, Too Sick to Function—This Isn’t Dedication, It’s Presenteeism

Showing up sick isn’t dedication—it’s survival in a system that ignores worker well-being. “Why working through sickness isn’t a strength—it’s a symptom of a broken system. Brief Description: Many employees unknowingly fall into the cycle of presenteeism—pushing through illness, exhaustion, and mental burnout because workplace expectations leave no room for genuine recovery. But what happens when showing up sick becomes the norm? In this episode, Lisa shares her personal experience of battling severe illness while being pressured to return to work, exposing the emotional, physical, and professional toll of presenteeism.