HR: Sick Days- To Take or Not To Take?
With the threat of the Swine Flu(H1N1 virus) swinging into full gear this fall, the ongoing question on whether employees should stay home or go to work when feeling "under the weather" is once again up for debate.
In an effort to minimize the spread of contagious and deadly diseases, public health officials continue to urge people to stay home when they are sick- even if it's just a cough. Unfortunately for many workers taking a day off isn't an option. Almost half of all workers in America don't get paid sick leave- including many low income workers. Quite simply, these workers can't afford to stay home. Taking a sick day means losing a day's pay. In many instances, workers may also be penalized for missing a day's work- getting written up for taking one sick day and getting fired if they miss three days. In today's economy many may also feel that taking a sick day will put their job in jeopardy - giving employers a reason to terminate their employment.
For those fortunate enough to have paid sick days, many view taking these days as a sign of weakness. American workers take great pride in "never missing a day of work". Arguing they "don't have time to be sick". Taking a day off means deadlines are missed and colleagues will have to pick up the slack and cover for them.
In the midst of this influenza scare, I think its time for American employers and employees a like to change their policies and philosophy on sick days. Human resource policies that penalize people for missing work when they are sick subject employees to a greater risk of contracting contagious illnesses. Instituting paid sick days and encouraging employees to actually use them can go a long way in slowing the spread of viruses.
Employees need to realize that showing up at work sick not only exposes their co-workers to germs, it also negatively impacts their productivity. When people don't feel good they simply can't perform their best and are less able to work effectively with others. In my opinion, going to work sick isn't a sign of a dedicated employee. It isn't going to earn anyone's admiration. More likely, it's going to be portrayed as a lack of consideration for your fellow employees.