Sick...should I stay home or go to work?

Did we ever think that the day would come when employees would become fearful of calling in sick, when they are really sick? Well, that time is here.

Almost ½ the employees who responded to a recent SHRM poll said they went to work sick because ‘they felt they had to’. With our economy in it’s current states. Most Companies have had to layoff employees or offer early retirement.

These layoffs and early retirements affect us all, especially those of us who are left to pick up extra workload. When employees are sick I encourage them to take the time off they need to improve their health. Why? Because you will find that employees who are at work sick are less productive and spread their germs. I’d prefer to have one employee off for a couple days rather then three.

In recent times with the H1N1 ‘swine flu’ pandemic, everyone is taking precaution. However, we are still finding our that people are still reporting to work with the ‘flu’ like symptoms. Many organizations try to discourage working while sick they feel it’s a distraction. It is best for sick workers to stay away. Can you imagine if a corporation had to close down like the recent school closings? If a company had to close down for one day over someone reporting to work ignoring they are sick and have the ‘swine flu’ H1N1 like symptoms. Do you know the loss the corporation would incur? Anywhere from thousands to millions of dollars, in these economic times no corporation can afford that kind of a loss.

I have held several training classes developing managers to mean what they say. If you have a policy, enforce it, starting with yourself. You first must be a follower in order for others to follow. The session is a three-hour course that includes roll plays and reenactments of pass issues a manager may have faced. This course has increased employee morale and motivation, along with, employee and manager relationships.

More now than ever before, companies should begin looking into developing policies or a plan to cope with widespread employee illnesses according to CCH. Why? Disasters can put employees out of work anywhere for at least 2 weeks.But as the H1N1 “swine flu” virus spreads, it becomes even more critical. Outbreak occurs over a period of time up to one year and can affect different geographic areas. Organizations do not want to have to deal with a disaster and limited or lack of resources to perform tasks.

HR Professionals get your pens and papers out and map out a strategic plan, streamlined to assist in keeping your organization afloat during crisis, pandemics or disasters. For those employees who still insist on coming to work sick follow these rules to minimize spreading your germs.

• Cover your mouth and nose during coughing and sneezing.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick. (not allergy symptoms)

HR here are few things you can do:

• Offers a flu-vaccination program.
• Encourage fellow employees who have sore throats, fevers, or other flu symptoms to go home.
• Offer 'live well' incentives. (Discounted gym memberships, health fairs, etc).