The Cost of Being Present: A Theoretical Framework of Teachers’ Presenteeism and Well-Being in Malaysia Using COR Theory

Teacher well-being is closely connected with teaching quality, student outcomes and the overall sustainability of education systems. One threat to that well-being is presenteeism, or attending work despite physical or psychological illness. The issue may be especially relevant in Malaysia, where collectivist values, hierarchical school structures and performance expectations can encourage teachers to place professional duties ahead of their health. This conceptual paper develops a framework, grounded in Conservation of Resources (COR) Theory, to explain why Malaysian teachers engage in presenteeism and how the behaviour may affect their well-being. The paper draws together established research on teacher well-being, presenteeism, workplace culture and resource loss, and interprets these studies within the Malaysian educational context. The framework presents presenteeism as an attempt to protect valued resources, including professional identity, reputation, student progress and job security. Although working while unwell may reduce an immediate fear of resource loss, repeated presenteeism can consume the energy and emotional capacity needed for effective work and recovery. Over time, this may create a resource loss spiral involving stress, exhaustion, burnout and declining well-being. Leadership support, psychologically safe sick-leave practices, workplace culture and adequate opportunities for recovery may interrupt this process, whereas attendance-focused expectations and limited staffing support may intensify it. The framework extends COR theory into an under-researched cultural and occupational setting and reframes presenteeism as a response to systemic pressure rather than simply an individual choice. It offers practical direction for school leaders and policymakers seeking to create healthier, more sustainable working conditions for Malaysian teachers.

teacher well-being, presenteeism, Conservation of Resources Theory

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