Actually, if I'm not about to die, I go in, even with paid sick leave. I have to be sent home 90% of the time I'm sick. Kidney infections, migraines, sciatica, psychosis... I've gone into work with them all. Viral tonsillitis too, but that's cos I'd had to miss work the week before because of a hospital admission and couldn't afforrd any more time off. If I can't get out of bed, then I call in sick. Otherwise, I go in.
My stupid boss has a new rule - we have to call his mobile if we're sick, not our immediate line manager. We all know it's so he can have a go. Not impressed. If he does that to me, I walk, affordability or no. (I'm the only one employed by the company who can do my job atm so he's gonna be in trouble!)
One way or another, I always end up taking it. I'd honestly rather I didn't, but things happen. Miscarriages, bike accidents, morning sickness... they're the legit ones.
I have chucked the odd sickie in my life, but here's the kicker - only when I worked in sausage factory type jobs where I felt like I was being squeezed to get every available drop out of me and getting nothing in return. Last year I did it in the early part of the year because I'd been asked to take work home (and I don't earn the kind of money that makes this worth it) So I figured they could compensate me for it. At the same job, I would also push out legitimate sick leave by an extra day or two just go get a day off to make appts, because time off at this job was near impossible.
Meanwhile, in quality jobs where my whole person is nurtured and looked after and I function as part of a quality team... I'd never dream of it. At my current job, they often call me on a sick day, and order me to take the next day off as well! They really value having healthy and well rested staff. And it pays off.
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks