Headed Off to Work, Rather Than Off Work: Here’s encouraging news: Most
employees who report to work when sick say they do so out of a sense of
obligation to their co-workers. Nearly 30 percent are so motivated because of a
strong belief that other people depend on them. That’s according to a recent
survey of 1,500 organizations by LifeCare, a work/life consulting firm in
Shelton, Connecticut. On the flip side, nearly as many workers (26 percent)
report showing up despite illness because it’s too risky to take time off.
Other reasons included: too busy to stay home (15 percent) and saving sick
days for emergencies (12 percent) or vacation (8 percent). About 7 percent
definitely said they do not work when sick, according to LifeCare’s
poll.
Workforce Management contributing editor Garry Kranz is based in Richmond, Virginia. E-mail editors@workforce.com to comment.
Reproductions and distribution of the above article are strictly prohibited. To order reprints and/or request permission to use the article in full or partial format, please contact our Reprint Sales Manager at (732) 723-0569.
Comments
Guidelines: Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed
from the site. We will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies
or any other policies governing this site. You are fully responsible for the content you post.
= Member Only
