Vast majority of employees ignore sick day benefits
About 77% of employees say they show up at work when ill, according to a recent poll by ComPsych Corporation.
When asked whether they worked while sick, 33% of employees said yes because their workload makes it too difficult to take off; 26% said yes because it feels risky to take off in the current work environment; 18% said yes because they save their sick days for when their kids need care; and 23% said no because they put their health first.
"Unfortunately, the practice of working while sick often perpetuated by corporate culture not only results in 'presenteeism' but in the spread of illness for an even greater reduction in productivity. Employers should encourage workers to take time off when sick, which actually will increase productivity in the long term, comments ComPsych CEO Richard Chaifetz.