Why calling in sick is still a luxury

Why calling in sick is still a luxury

A survey among 2,000 UK employees across sectors by CIPHR suggests 64% of ‘in-person’ workers have gone into the workplace while feeling ill. (This compares with 38% of remote and hybrid employees).

More women (68% of in-person workers) are likely to have worked through illness compared with men (58%). And the issue seems to be most prevalent in the retail and hospitality sectors, where there may be fewer or more uncertain sick leave benefits (where levels are around 80%).

Making us ill

Why is this happening? The report authors point to an ongoing presenteeism — in spite of the lessons of the pandemic — where taking time off work, or working shorter hours, are still regarded as being evidence of ‘weakness’ or a lack of commitment. People are being forced to make choices between their physical health and their finances or reputation at work. In turn, that means a knock-on effect on mental health, through the stress off not being to take time off, from neglecting their wellbeing.

Taking on presenteeism

EAPA UK Chair, Karl Bennett said: “Presenteeism isn’t good for anyone, it’s just a cycle that leads to continual feelings of stress, poor productivity and lower levels of performance. Occasional time off can be necessary for securing wellbeing, protecting colleagues from the spread of illnesses, and making sure there’s a healthy culture in terms of attitudes to people as human beings.

“That’s what’s most important of all over time — making sure there is a culture of empathy and understanding, where people feel able to be themselves, including taking time off for sickness, and where everyone gets the benefits from healthy people being in work.

“Physical and mental ill-health is so often a connected cycle. And that’s why the professional advice of EAPs is so important in terms of breaking that cycle and helping people to move back onto a healthier course of things.”