The Price of Pressure: Why Working Sick Can Be Harmful to Your Health and How Employers Can Help

Absence control policies in the workplace can lead to employees working even when they are sick. According to Jari Hakanen from the Institute of Occupational Health, work pressure and workload are significant factors that cause employees to continue working while sick. This creates a vicious cycle where tasks accumulate during sick leave, leading to even greater stress when the employee returns.

Hakanen notes that there are several reasons why employees may feel compelled to work while sick. These include a sense of duty, taking care of others’ work, and being part of a supportive work community. However, he warns that strict absence control policies, such as making the first day of sick leave unpaid, can increase the likelihood of employees persisting at work while sick, which may result in future absences.

Organizational psychologist Pekka Järvinen adds that working while sick can also be driven by perfectionism, fears about career progression, financial concerns, and the nature of the illness. For example, individuals who struggle with burnout may feel pressured to continue working despite being unwell because they fear losing their job or being seen as unreliable. Additionally, symptoms of exhaustion or depression that develop slowly over time can make individuals accustomed to their state of being and hesitant to take sick leave.

In conclusion, working while sick can have detrimental effects on employees’ health and well-being. It is crucial for employers to create a supportive work environment that encourages self-care and prioritizes employees’ health over work demands. This includes implementing flexible absence policies that allow employees to take time off without fear of retaliation or financial penalty. By doing so, employers can help prevent future absences and promote a healthy workplace culture that values employee well-being above all else.