Does anyone enjoy being sick? Didn’t think so. My Dad only called out sick 3 times. I find that unbelievable because he did have health problems; his dedication to his family was amazing. Sick days are necessary, but how should they be used and what is the Employers responsibility?
How Many Are Needed
I have been fortunate to have worked at places that had adequate, clearly stated Sick Day policies. BIG RETAIL had an “unlimited” sick days and BIG MEDIA has a 10 sick day policy. In NYC full-time employees get at least 5 sick days. Most employees that I know feel that 10 is a fair number of sick days, and I agree. 10 is a reasonable amount because it takes care of a flu or a pneumonia and still have days left over. If you have a serious medical condition then Disability would take over.
Good Reasons To Use Them
When you are sick, duh. Fevers, severe colds, severe sore throats and other contagious diseases. I go to work if I have the sniffles because that is not a serious issue. I hate it when co-workers go to work and hack up their lungs and cough all over the place. It’s gross and can get others sick. There’s no reason to be a hero and show how “tough” you are.
If you ever feel overwhelmed in life and need a “Mental Health Day”, I’m cool with that for being reason to call out too. Sometimes you need a day to clear your mind. Stress relief helps clear your mind and allows you to refocus your energy.
The problem that I have been aware for some time is that Employers still give someone crap for calling out. Why is that? There is a policy to ensure that an employee can stay if they are feeling ill and not infect the other employees. Why make them feel bad for calling out? There needs to be more input from HR telling managers not to make a big deal of calling out.
“Bad” Reasons To Use Them
Super Bowl Monday is the biggest call out day in the US. You’re not fooling your boss by calling out this day, she knows why. Just use a personal day or a vacation day for this. Besides, a lot of your co-workers will be talking about the game or the commercials. Slothness will rule the office that day too from all the food and drinks consumed on Sunday.
Don’t call out to avoid work responsibilities. Sometimes there are tasks that others can do and you hate doing them. Meetings can be a drag but they are a necessary evil in Corporate America.
The day after the Holiday Party is another common “call out” day that should be avoided because it’s basically saying that you got too drunk. No need to get a rep at work either. Again, just use a personal or vacation day.
“Summer Fridays”
I’m not talking about the Company policy that allows to leave early during the summer. I’m talking about calling out frequently during the summer, especially on a Friday (or a Monday). This particular way of calling out is unprofessional. This should also not be confused with a Mental Health Day. That is meant for when you are truly stressed and need a day off.
When you take off on “Summer Fridays” you’re telling your boss that you are not taking your job/profession seriously. Remember, your employer tracks your days and will notice a pattern and may have HR contact you. Avoiding HR is a major reason why I try to know every company policy. Seriously, I do not even walk near the HR Department at work.
Tips
Know your Employers Sick Day Policy
Call out when you are genuinely sick
Using a “Mental Health Day” is ok, but don’t abuse it
Don’t call out too often
Your employer notices your “call out” pattern
– Mike
What are your thoughts? How many days do think are acceptable and many do you have?
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My employer has unlimited sick days but I think this is for two reasons, some companies pay you for the day you do not take and to also adapt to the growing trend of pleasing millennials. Any worker who wants to work at the company will not abuse this system, at least I hope! I start work in November but hopefully they do not give me a hard time when I am sick. We have a flexible workplace either way so sure I will be asked to just work from home if it is something important!
Stefan,
thank you for the comment…
regardless if you have unlimited or 10 sick days, you still get paid…the problem with Millennials is their sense of entitlement and i can see a worker in each company taking 20-25 days off because they have the sniffles…i think their behavior will change b/c of peer pressure….no one likes doing someone else’ work…
I don’t use many sick days but I have been lucky lately and haven’t been sick much (knock on wood) but I have no problem using them if I need them. Everyone pays for it when coworkers come sick because they can’t operate at the necessary level and they just risk getting others sick.
Thias,
Thank you for the replay….using a Sick Day is important to you and your co-workers health…it’s the polite thing to do…