Sick Call
Sick Call
 |
US $295.00
| Powered by phpBay Pro |
What is the etiquette at work when you are sick? Call in sick or still show up?
I mean slight illness, like mild flu, headache, coughing, etc nothing major that I am going to die at work.
My instinct tells me I am fit enough for work but I know some bosses don't like employees to show up sick, while others prefer you not to be absent unless absolutely necessary.
What is the etiquette then, in general and when you have a few bosses (like I do, unfortunately haha)?
Most employers do not like employees showing up at work when they're sick. Some may tell you not to be absent unless absolutely necessary, well I've been able to get around that. I tell that type of boss, "if I have to come in today, and I have to either be rushed to hospital, or I die, YOU are getting the bill". They usually laugh. If your boss has no sense of humour, I don't recommend saying that.
1. If you have a cold, flu, sore throat, coughing or other viral infection (which is contagious just by you breathing anywhere near co-workers) you are a walking 'infection factory'. If the boss hears several complaints, you'll be going home anyway.
2. If you went to the doctor even before you went to work, and were given antibiotics, you should still stay home. Anitibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses. And colds, flu and most sore throats are caused by viruses. Just get yourself a good cold/flu remedy at the drugstore.
3. When people are sick, and go into work anyway, after all your co-workers have lambasted you for doing so, you may be able to work, but your performance level, concentration and accuracy levels will be way down. Sometimes your body will literally tell you - why am I here? I should be at home resting and being in quiet comfort - not at this noisy, busy, concrete jungle zoo, with everybody telling me what to do! I'd sure like to them what to do!
4. If you are feeling 'under the weather' and your instinct tells you that you are "fit" enough to show up, I would take the road less travelled. Call your boss and let him/her know that you are sick and don't want to come in and give it to everyone else in the office. I once did the 'instinct' thing. I showed up for work at my employer's office feeling miserable. Not even in the office 5 minutes and my supervisor (fabulous lady) walked up to me and said, "now, my dear, I could tell when you got off the elevator that you are not well. You know how I feel about bringing little creepy viral things into our daytime lair. You march right on back home, tuck yourself in, and do not come back here until the little vagrants have packed it in". She always had this way of saying things, getting to the point, but making it sound like she was telling you a story.
So, on that note, even if you know you could do your job and would be fine, the 'creepy viral things' don't know that. Do yourself (and the whiners) a favour, just stay home until you're feeling like yourself again.