Presenteeism, defined as going to work despite feeling ill, is a relatively new problem. This phenomenon is discussed in several aspects: health, social or labor productivity. In his article the analysis of the literature concerning the problem of non-effective presence at work is presented, paying particular attention to the definition of presenteeism, the reasons for it is creation, as well as its relationship with sickness absence and the prevalence of such diseases as allergy, depression, migraine / headaches, arthritis or gastrointestinal disorders and work environment. Bearing in mind that presenteeism is one of the biggest financial and social burden, in the final part of this article an attempt was made to estimate economical costs generated by this phenomenon. Med Pr 2013;64(3):439–447