Why Many Employees Avoid Reporting Sick, Even When They Should
A recent study conducted by the RTL Nieuwspanel reveals that a significant number of employees hesitate to report sick, even when they are unwell. According to the research, only 7% of employees inform their boss when they have a sore throat, and less than a quarter do so when suffering from a severe cold. Gijs Rademaker, an opinion poller at RTL News, explains, ”The rest will just work.As you feel guilty,people don’t want to burden colleagues,or they think it is indeed not so bad.Most only report sick when they get a fever.”
This reluctance to take sick leave has broader implications in the workplace. About 29% of employees surveyed reported regularly seeing colleagues who are too sick to work. while this behavior often causes annoyance, fewer than half of employees dare to address it. Instead, two-thirds of respondents admitted to actively avoiding coughing and sniffling colleagues.
The Pressure to Work While Sick
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The study also highlights the role of employers in this dynamic. Rademaker notes, “And if you do report sick, others have to do your work, and employers are not happy with that.” More than a quarter of employees who reported being ill said they were pressured by their employer to return to work, even if they still felt unwell.
Interestingly, while some find sick colleagues annoying, a much larger majority (81%) expressed frustration when colleagues report sick “too easily.” This sentiment reflects a cultural attitude that often prioritizes productivity over health.
What Health Experts Say
The RIVM, the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Surroundings, emphasizes the importance of staying home when sick. A spokesperson stated, “in principle, it is normal: sick is sick. So staying at home if you’re sick. You don’t have to be too precise in that. Don’t measure your temperature and think: well,I can still work with this elevation.”
The current flu epidemic, which has been ongoing for two weeks, adds urgency to this advice. The RIVM spokesperson acknowledged the difficulty in predicting the epidemic’s duration, stating, ”We don’t have a glass ball.” While some reports suggest this year’s flu virus is more severe, the RIVM clarified, “Flu is a virus that can always make you very sick and that can start acutely with a high fever. It is indeed the well-known viruses that go around.”
Confusing Flu and Colds
Many people often mistake colds for the flu.The RIVM spokesperson explained, “There are many other viruses that cause similar symptoms. People then think they have the flu, but then they just have a cold. if you really have the flu, caused by the flu virus, then that is just fierce.”
Key Findings at a Glance
| Aspect | Percentage/Detail |
|———————————|——————————————-|
| Employees reporting sore throat | 7% |
| Employees reporting severe cold | Less than 25% |
| Employees avoiding sick colleagues | 66% |
| Annoyed by colleagues reporting sick “too easily” | 81% |
| Employees pressured to return to work | Over 25% |
Join the Conversation
The RTL Nieuwspanel conducted this study on January 30 and 31, surveying over 18,000 members. The results are representative of variables such as age, gender, education, efficacy, and political preference. With more than 48,000 members, the panel continues to provide valuable insights into societal trends.
If you’re interested in participating in future studies, you can sign up here.
This research underscores the need for a cultural shift in how we approach workplace health. staying home when sick not only benefits the individual but also protects colleagues and maintains productivity in the long run.
Why Employees Avoid Reporting Sick: Insights from an Expert
A recent study by the RTL Nieuwspanel highlights a concerning trend: many employees hesitate to report sick, even when they are unwell. This behavior not only impacts individual health but also poses risks to workplace productivity and colleagues’ well-being. To delve deeper into this issue, we spoke with Dr. Eva van der Meer,a workplace health specialist,to understand the cultural and professional pressures driving this phenomenon and explore solutions for a healthier work surroundings.
The Cultural stigma Around Sick Leave
editor: Dr.van der Meer, the study found that only 7% of employees report sick when they have a sore throat. why do you think employees are so reluctant to take sick leave?
Dr. van der Meer: It’s a complex issue rooted in cultural attitudes and workplace expectations. Many employees feel guilty about burdening their colleagues with extra work or fear being perceived as weak or irresponsible.There’s also a pervasive belief that minor illnesses, like a sore throat or cold, aren’t serious enough to warrant staying home. unluckily,this mindset often leads to employees working while unwell,which can exacerbate their condition and spread illness to others.
The Role of Employers in Shaping Behavior
Editor: The study also suggests that over 25% of employees feel pressured to return to work even when they’re still unwell.How can employers foster a healthier approach to sick leave?
Dr. van der Meer: Employers play a critical role in shaping workplace culture.First, they need to emphasize that health comes before productivity.This means encouraging employees to stay home when sick and providing adequate support, such as temporary staffing or redistributing workloads. Additionally, managers should lead by example—taking sick leave themselves when needed and avoiding any implicit or explicit pressure on employees to return prematurely. Open communication and trust are key to creating a supportive environment.
The Broader Impact of Working While Sick
Editor: What are the broader implications of employees coming to work while sick? How does it affect workplace dynamics?
Dr. van der meer: Working while sick has a ripple effect. For the individual, it can prolong recovery and even lead to more serious health issues. For colleagues, it increases the risk of illness, which can disrupt team productivity and morale. The study found that 66% of employees actively avoid coughing or sniffling colleagues, which can create tension and reduce collaboration. Ultimately, this behavior undermines the long-term health and effectiveness of the entire workplace.
health Experts’ Advice on Staying Home
Editor: The RIVM emphasizes the importance of staying home when sick, even without precise symptoms. How can employees and employers balance this advice with the demands of work?
Dr.van der meer: It’s about shifting the mindset from short-term gains to long-term benefits. Employees need to understand that staying home when sick is not just about their own health—it’s about protecting their colleagues and maintaining overall workplace productivity. Employers can support this by having clear sick leave policies, encouraging self-care, and fostering a culture where taking sick leave is seen as responsible, not negligent. During flu season or health crises, this becomes even more critical.
Misconceptions About Illnesses
Editor: Many people confuse colds with the flu. How does this confusion contribute to the reluctance to take sick leave?
Dr. van der Meer: This confusion is common and problematic. Colds and flu share similar symptoms, but the flu is much more severe and can lead to serious complications if not properly managed.When employees mistake a cold for the flu, they may downplay their illness and continue working. Conversely,some might overreact to a cold and take unnecessary leave. Education is key—employees should be informed about the differences between illnesses and the appropriate actions to take in each case.
Key Takeaways for a Healthier Workplace
Editor: What are the main takeaways from this study for employees, employers, and society as a whole?
Dr. van der Meer: The study underscores the need for a cultural shift in how we view sick leave. Employees should prioritize their health and recognize that staying home when sick benefits everyone. Employers must create supportive policies and lead by example to foster a healthier work environment. As a society, we need to move away from stigmatizing sick leave and instead see it as a vital component of long-term productivity and well-being.
Join the Conversation
The RTL Nieuwspanel continues to provide valuable insights into societal trends. If you’re interested in participating in future studies, sign up here.This research highlights the importance of a cultural shift in workplace health—staying home when sick not only benefits the individual but also protects colleagues and maintains productivity in the long run.