To sick to come in to
work? Then stay home!
Should sick employees come to work? According to a recent study, far too many are howing up with the flu and other contagious illnesses when they should be home in bed.
Called ÒPresenteeismÓ, itÕs almost like its own illness. Workers just canÕt quit working, and the figure is rising. Two years ago 39% said they came to work sick. In 2006, the number rose to 56%.
Why do the sick, and contagious, come in to work anyway?
¥ 66% said because of workload and deadlines.
¥ 56% said they had no competent co-workers to take their place.
¥ 50% said they didnÕt want to pull from their vacation time.
The harm that a contagious worker can have on a company can be substantial. The flu can spread easily, and suddenly a dozen workers are out. One contagious worker who comes to work sick can end up costing everyone more
by trying to Òwork throughÓ their illness.
All of this mandates that management demand that if workers
are sick enough to stay home, they should, especially if they have a fever.
ItÕs also important for management to have a staffing service on stand-by with
competent workers ready to step in; this will help ensure that sick workers
donÕt feel compelled to come to work and give management peace of mind when
they need to be out.
Source: American
Staffing Association, Staffing
Week, January 2007 (members only)
FIRSTAFF
877.661.7851