Majority of American workers have admitting to coming into work despite knowing that they are sick, stating they did not want to fall behind on their work as their reasoning.
Employers should encourage workers to stay home and rest at the first sign of an illness. Everyone gets sick, even the boss will get sick at some point; no one is immune and companies recognize this and for the most part, have generous sick leave.
Studies have shown that rest has a healing effect and can bring a sickness to only lasting three or four days from five or seven.
For workers trying to stay healthy this year, they should try and avoid the break room which can be the dirtiest place in the office. Employees should also keep in mind that flu viruses can live on a hard surface for up to three days and should be proactive with cleaning their desks and phone to avoid getting sick.
As we head into cold and flu season, there are steps workers can take to avoid getting sick and one of the best ways to stay healthy is diligent hand washing.
You should also regularly clean your workspace including telephone, keyboard and commonly-touched places like water fountain handles or microwave door handles to avoid getting sick.
Here are three signs that it might be time to call in sick:
You Have a Temperature. Everyone has a different temperature threshold, but experts say a temperature higher than your normal one is reason to call in sick–especially if it’s a sudden fever.
You have Secretions. If you are coughing up phlegm, have a runny nose or are sneezing frequently, it’s time to say home.
Extreme Fatigue or Body Aches. Doctors say outside symptoms of the flu, like coughing or sneezing, don’t materialize right away and instead the illness starts with extreme fatigue, body aches, cough or chills.
If you begin to have these symptoms it’s best to stay home and contact your physician.