Sick-at-Work – Photo: burnettstaffing.com
‘Tis flu season, with its flurry of germs, sneezes an infections everywhere! Especially in the office where we’re often all on top of each other…And while you’d think most employees would take time off to heal and rest when sick, it turns out “20 percent of Americans never call out sick, no matter how ill they are, and 17 percent stay home only under doctor’s orders.” This 2013 Inc. article even reveals 90% of employees come to work when sick, and it’s the workplace culture’s fault.
Whether you’re in need of a mental health day, or your frantic sneezes are shaking your office desk, coming to work when sick is just unproductive (not to mention the fact that your charitable germ sharing is not exactly welcome).
My $0.05: I remember back in Public Accounting, in the middle of busy season, when calling in sick was not exactly an option. If you could hold a red pencil and tick-mark work-papers, you could work! Yes, we could certainly call in, but the workplace culture was one of intense work and dedication that discouraged some of us from taking time off.
Fast-forward a few years, I still struggle with calling in when sick, but I’m getting better at taking care of myself. Bottom line: when you’re sick, stay home!
What do you think? Would you go to work when sick?
The Corporate Sis.
When sick, I stay home. I don’t see the need to come into the work because I’m not focused when sick and that only lowers productivity.
Hi Sheri! I agree, and that’s how everyone should be thinking. However, there’s so much fear our there, and corporate culture unfortunately doesn’t emphasize taking care of one’s health enough, that many employees are scared to call in sick. I wish companies echoed this message. Thank you so much for your comment.