Employees endangering co-workers — and managers have no idea
February 17, 2009 by Sam NarisiPosted in: In This Week's E-Newsletter, Latest News & Views, Retention
Ask employees, and many will say they frequently show up to work even when they’re in poor health. But new research shows managers aren’t aware of that behavior.
Almost half (45%) of employees say they “very frequently” come to the office when they’re sick, according to a recent survey by staffing firm OfficeTeam. However, only 17% of managers surveyed say working while sick is common among their staff.
In this economy, many workers refuse to take sick days because they don’t want to look like slackers. But doing so can cause more harm than good: Sick employees are less productive and more prone to mistakes, health problems can snowball and require even longer recovery times, and co-workers might catch the bug.
To avoid those costly problems associated with “presenteeism,” OfficeTeam recommends that managers keep an eye on their employees and encourage them to take sick days when there’s a need. Also, the firm suggests managers:
- set a good example by staying home when they’re sick
- clarify absence policies, and
- allow telecommuting whenever possible, so sick employees can stay productive without risking others’ health.
Tags: absences, presenteeism, sick employees
February 20th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
Now if only the bosses would accept that people should not come to work sick!
May 23rd, 2009 at 10:48 am
I consider myself very lucky to have a wonderful boss. I am able to telecommute when needed, and our PTO policy is very flexible. Since I am salary, my work days are usually anywhere from 8 to 10 hours but if I get my work done and cover my responsibilities early I can leave when I wish. I read so many horror stories here about bad employers, I feel very blessed to have found the one I am with.
August 21st, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Our Food & Beverage manager worked an entire evening function last Thursday with a high fever, and found out the next day at the doctors that she had been highly contagious with a viral arthritis during that time. She had picked it up after five visits to the hospital that week to visit her ex-boyfriend. After going to the doctors, she came back to work! I fortunately did not pick up this rare airborne disease even though she sat in my office for breaks while I continued to try to work.