The Sick Day—A Thing of the Past?

Shutterstock

Here’s a scenario: Your cubicle-mate shows up to work coughing up a lung and chugging Dayquil by the bottle. The next day, thanks to her, you are in what some might call “bedridden condition.” But, in the tradition of germ-spreading behavior, you decide to head into work anyway. Dayquil in hand, of course. Sound familiar?

Apparently, this no-sick-day epidemic has taken America by storm and it is bad news. According to the Huffington Post, a survey by Staples (Ha! Right?) revealed that nearly 90 percent of office workers show up to work even when they know they are contagious. Gross!

Why are people being such inconsiderate jerks? Because with increased workloads as a result of the floundering economy, everyone is afraid of falling behind. The irony is, in the end, going into work sick doesn’t guarantee that you’ll actually be productive: your mind is cloudy, your body hurts, you’re distracted … because, well, you’re sick!

So how can we make this madness stop? First-off, employers should encourage sick workers to handle pressing work matters from home. For a lot of people, whatever you are doing at your desk could be done from the comfort of your bed (Praise the Internet gods, right?). Also, employers can take a few sick days themselves to show employees that it’s okay.

With flu-season in full swing, be a good co-worker and keep your coughing, feverish, achy self at home! Believe me, everyone will thank you.