Feeling under the weather but still hobbling into the office? Your coworkers may not appreciate your sacrifice.
About 42 percent of employees say their top pet peeve during flu season is coworkers who come to work sick, according to a Robert Half survey.
And many workers do just that – 85 percent of us admit to going to work sick.
Why drag yourself in when bed would be a better choice?
- About 36 percent of those who showed up to work despite illness said they did it because they felt well enough to do their jobs.
- And 32 percent didn’t want to fall behind on assignments.
- About 12 percent said they don’t get sick days.
- And 4 percent said their managers would frown upon their absence.
A survey of more than 300 HR managers showed 53 percent of companies “strongly encourage” sick workers to stay at home and 29 percent “somewhat encourage” them to stay there.
If you really can’t take things lying down, find out if you can work from home.
If you’re too ill to work from home, or, if telecommuting is not an option, work with your manager to identify temps or team members who can help during your absence.
If you absolutely must go to work, be a good neighbor. Avoid getting close to coworkers, wash your hands frequently and cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough. Leave the workplace as soon as critical tasks are completed.
And, if you’re healthy and your coworker is ill, offer to fill in for them so they don’t feel the need to come in.
Hopefully, they’ll return the favor when the bedroom slipper is on the other foot.
