Missing work or calling in sick is never a fun task to do, especially when some companies request for medical certificate from a doctor. Besides incurring added expenses, sometimes you just can’t make yourself go out and see a doctor.
However, while it may sound chivalrous that you have decided to stay in the office, being too sick can cause adverse reactions in the office. You might get everyone sick or you might screw up your tasks for the day.
Why Employees Remain at Work Even When They’re Sick
There are several reasons why employees choose to stay in the office than call in sick. Most jobs are paid on the hour so if you are absent, chances are you will not get paid for that day.
Dr. Thomas Fekete, the chief of the infectious diseases section in Temple University, shares that patients are afraid to lose their hard-earned money over a simple cough or flu.
“Staying at home could mean no payment or using up a sick leave,” Dr. Fekete explains. “It becomes a tough call if those are the only choices.”
Furthermore, most employers value employees who are dedicated in their jobs. If an employee goes to work, that means he will get paid, his co-workers will not be tasked to do other jobs, and the office will be staffed.
Tips to Help Make the “Stay Home” Decision
1) Do not go to work if what you have is highly contagious.
This is the easiest way to make you stay at home. Just think, would you want everyone to get whatever you are sick with? Dr. Fekete explains that the worst time for a contagious disease is during the beginning.
“This is the time when the illness is at its peak so anyone who’s feeling under the weather, that’s the right time to stay at home,” he adds.
But, Dr. Fekete shares that in cases where you work in a medical or health facility, where you encounter patients with compromised health, it is best to stay at home until you have fully recovered. It is also advisable to steer clear of crowded places as germs will only make you susceptible to complications.
2) The medication you took makes you drowsy.
Stay at home if you are taking pain medications or any other treatment that can make you sleepy. If you insist of working, you might only jeopardize your job performance and productivity.
These kinds of medications may also make you lose concentration. Instead of just your job, you might be putting the entire team, department, or company in hot waters if you fail to do your task correctly.
3) Check your symptoms.
Whether it’s a runny nose, a sore throat or fever, your chances of staying at home depend on how worse your symptoms are. Most doctors recommend gauging how you feel before going to work.
Dr. Vivien Brown, a family physician from Canada, shares that symptoms are the best way to inform a person of how his body is doing. For example, a fever is indicative that you will certainly have the flu and other signs may soon occur. It is best to stay at home to avoid making your illness worse.
Overall, your symptoms and current condition will be the best indicator as to whether you should stay at home or not. To avoid having this dilemma again, take a flu shot. You can compare prices at Publix, CVS or Walmart and besides, it’s way cheaper than missing a day or two from work.
