Have you ever thought about what goes on when you turn up at work sick, simply because your boss has said so? Imagine you're sneezing, coughing, but your duty calls. Many of us have been there, balancing our health and stressing about keeping the boss satisfied. The one thing that most companies don't know that trying to fight illness in the office typically results in more headaches later on. Stay tuned to understand why having employees who are sick stay home may be the most beneficial option for everyone.
Why Coming to Work Sick Is a Problem
If you are forced to work with an illness like a cold or flu does not just put you at risk, it puts your entire team at risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) it is estimated that as high as 111 million working days are lost each year because of flu-related illness within the United States. When employees work while sick, germs are easily spread particularly in shared spaces such as open break rooms, offices and elevators. What started as one person suffering from a cough may become a whole team being sick within a week, or two.
The Domino Effect of Sick Policies
Many bosses think that when you're in the office, performance remains high. However, this isn't true. Presenteeism—when employees show up but don't perform at their best, costs American companies around $150 billion a year. When employees are unwell tend to be unable to concentrate, and make many mistakes and usually end up spreading the illness which results in even more productivity loss.
Employees who are pressured to work sick frequently lose faith in their leadership and may feel unappreciated which can affect morale of the company in the in the long run.
A New Approach: Flexible Sick Leave
Many successful companies have realized the importance of having a sick leave policy that works for everyone. U.S. labor trends show that more and more workplaces are implementing policies that allow employees to stay at home when they are sick. This flexible sick leave policies have resulted in quicker recovery times and lower rates of spread and workers who feel valued. A 2023 Gallup survey found that companies that had flexible sick leave reported an increase of 20% in morale overall and decreased absences over time.
How to Build a Healthier Workplace Culture
Changes in attitudes towards sick leave is easy. Encourage open communication regarding health Make accessible remote options that are flexible and set the example for others by putting wellness first over appearances. Here's how to create an environment that is supportive of employees:
- Clear policies on sick leave that don't penalize people for having to take time off
- Access to hand sanitizers, and regular office cleaning
- Managers who are on the lookout for rest and check in when required
- Remote work, or staggered schedules a possibility during flu season.
What Happens When Leaders Show Empathy
If managers show that they are truly concerned about employee health and health, it's not only the employee that gains; the entire company benefits. Employees become more loyal and team morale is given up and productivity can improve since employees are less likely to be sick. Studies have proven that companies that have a culture of empathy can experience as much as 40% fewer turnover and their teams have greater satisfaction with their jobs.
It's easy to summarize: effective and current workplace health practices don't only reduce sick days. They create an environment where employees feel safe and valued, and is enthusiastic to be a part of the team. The results ripple out: less sickness and stronger bonds between office workers and less disruptions to everyday routines. It's something that every company should strive to achieve, especially when they're trying to figure out how to improve productivity at the office during flu and cold season.
Personally watching teams unite around a colleague who's not getting well or seeing managers step to help with compassion, truly makes me believe in the way kindness affects our lives at work. Small gestures like reminding one another to stay home if you're feeling the weather, can build trust and increase the health of employees. This is my kind of work environment I'd love to be at each day. I'm betting you would too.
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