In a disconcerting trend, the phenomenon of 'sick shaming' is not only pressuring employees to work while unwell but also contributing to an uptick in the sales of cold medication and fostering overmedication.
A recent survey conducted by ResumeBuilder.com delves into the thoughts of 1,000 managers regarding sick leave policies and the prevalence of sick shaming in workplaces. The findings reveal a concerning lack of empathy and understanding toward employees' health and well-being.
Key discoveries include:
- 24% of managers suspect that workers often lie or exaggerate illness when taking sick days.
- One-third of managers frequently request medical documentation as proof of illness.
- 20% encourage employees feeling unwell to still come to the office.
- Shockingly, 11% of managers admit to sick shaming workers who choose to work while visibly sick.
The survey exposes a cultural issue where some managers believe a work environment encouraging sick employees to work is beneficial for productivity. Julia Toothacre, Resume Builder's Resume and Career Strategist, criticizes this perspective, stating that such a culture lacks empathy and views employees merely as numbers, neglecting their health and well-being.
The survey also explores managers' attitudes toward employees with colds. Astonishingly, 3 in 10 managers believe workers with severe colds shouldn't take a day off. Toothacre highlights the incongruity of promoting office attendance when employees can work from home, especially in the post-COVID era.
65% of managers acknowledge the need for clearer sick leave policies in the workplace. Toothacre emphasizes the importance of supportive and flexible cultures, stating that stringent or unclear policies create unsupportive environments, leading to talent loss.
The survey concludes with a call for organizations to reconsider their sick leave policies, recognizing employees as individuals with personal health, mental health, and family emergencies. The data prompts a reflection on the impact of workplace culture on employee well-being and productivity.
Source: Resume Builder
Photo: Getty