Every year like clockwork the holiday season comes rushing in with its best friend, flu season. It’s nothing new and you can count on it just the same as you can count on a happy ending in a holiday Hallmark movie.
We’ve gone over the importance of hand washing, disinfecting surfaces, and exercising to boost your immune system (found here). But as you may know, you can do everything right and all it takes is one sick person to invade your space and spread the flu.
9 in 10 workers say they come into work even when displaying flu-like symptoms according to a study from the global staffing firm Accountemps®. A third of this group also admitted they consistently go to work when they’re feeling under the weather. Other than a feeling of animosity towards their coworkers, what reason do these people have to risk other’s health?
The most common reason citied is that workers fear they’ll fall behind on their workload. Other reasons include ironically, not wanting to use provided sick time. Others simply fear disappointing their bosses.
“Bosses should set an example by taking time off when they’re under the weather, encouraging employees to do the same and offering those with minor ailments the ability to work from home,” says Michael Steinitz, senior executive director of Accountemps®, in the company’s press statement regarding its findings.
Unfortunately you can’t control how anyone else handles being sick, but change needs to start somewhere. It may be up to you to be a good influence on your coughing co-workers. By taking a sick day, you’ll get much needed rest and others may take your lead, meaning you’ll need fewer sick days in the future because they’ll stay home as well. Why not lead by example?
For a refresher, visit our H1N1 Disinfectant page and Hand Care page for more products to help keep the flu away.
