How Sick is Too Sick to Go to Work?

We’ve written several times in the past about “presenteeism.” The premise is that going to work when ill can be counterproductive in that the illness may spread to co-workers and, at any rate, the illness will likely affect personal productivity. An article entitled, “Too Sick to Work?” posted on WebMD on March 24, 2008, details “advice on when you should just stay home.” The article could serve as a guideline for employers who want to assist their employees in making sound decisions on whether to go into work or stay home. The article starts with two general caveats: Do not go to work if you are contagious or a danger to others. It also deals with the symptoms of “sniffles, sneezes, fever and coughs.” In addition, the article specifically addresses back pain, headaches and migraines, earaches, pinkeye, sprains and strains, and poison ivy. Employers who recognize the cost of employee illnesses in terms of absence from work will want to read the article for background information in formulating employee policies on the issue. The primary advice is provided by Michael Bagner, M.D., attending physician at St. Luke’s/Roosevelt Hospital and Medical Director of Roosevelt Hospital Doctors Offices in New York. Are you the kind of person who prides yourself on never calling in sick, or do you believe that an illness is your body telling you that you need rest? Leave us a comment and let us know!