Too scared to call in sick?

Shinaynay · 09-10-2012 10:53am #1

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2214898/Millions-workers-scared-time-sick-threat-redundancy.html

Is this true for Irish people? I for one have had a few bad doses in the last year, ncluding an excrutiating eye problem, but never took time off. I am off the last two days as I am geninely bedridden with a virus.
I have friends who wouldnt think twice about callng in sick 3 Saturdays/Sundays in a row.
The DM artical now has me thinking I will be viewed differently by the management for being sick.
Would you look down/be looked down on for calling in sick?

whatnext · 09-10-2012 11:03am

Shinaynay wrote: »

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2214898/Millions-workers-scared-time-sick-threat-redundancy.html

Is this true for Irish people? I for one have had a few bad doses in the last year, ncluding an excrutiating eye problem, but never took time off. I am off the last two days as I am geninely bedridden with a virus.
I have friends who wouldnt think twice about callng in sick 3 Saturdays/Sundays in a row.
The DM artical now has me thinking I will be viewed differently by the management for being sick.
Would you look down/be looked down on for calling in sick?

Whether genuine or not, no employer is going to look positively on someone calling in sick.
They may well be understanding and supportive - but they are hardly likely to see it as a good thing.

So in answer to your question yes, I would "look down" on someone calling in sick. Sometimes subconsciously as it causes problems at work, but understanding it is genuine, and other time consciously understanding that there is a reasonable chance its a duvet day or "sickie".

tatli_lokma · 09-10-2012 12:09pm

It all depends upon your work ethic and the contribution you make when you are there. I have managed staff who based upon their attitude to work, or throwaway comments they have made etc have caused me to label them as someone who would pull a sickie without any qualms. When such people do phone in sick I would in my head question it, and would be certain to ensure they have a sick cert etc if off for more than 3 days, and I would be keeping a close eye on their sick leave patterns. If it was a persistant problem I would be addressing it.

On the other hand there are other staff who you know are responsible and hardworking and if they phone in sick it is much easier to be understanding and supportive. These are the sort of people who don't make a habit of it, who when off sick ring and speak to you in person (rather than leave a voicemail or text) and usually when they phone in show a level of consideration for others by making sure that you know what is on their desk that is urgent, or they pass on info that you will need so that you can cover them.

So I think that whilst having someone phone in sick is always an inconvenience, how you are viewed all depends on what type of worker you are when you are there and what sort of attitude you convey to others regarding your respect for your job and your co-workers.

I have pulled a sickie on occasion - I think most people have done so at some point. But that was mostly in places where I felt badly treated, or overworked and it was never a regular occurrance. Employers also need to look at themselves and if people regularly phone in sick then there is a good chance that the work practices in your business need to be reassessed. If it is a case that you just have a few lazy buggers then they need to be reprimanded or sacked as people like that tend to encourage a negative atmosphere amongst other workers and then it can snowball where no one give a sh!t and everyone feels like pulling a sickie regularly.

As with much of life, its a two way street.

Wishbone Ash · 09-10-2012 2:48pm

Little Ted wrote: »

when off sick ring and speak to you in person (rather than leave a voicemail or text)

In my organisation direct contact must be made with a senior manager in person (not a line manager). Anyone reporting off sick by leaving a message or sending a text would be deemed to be AWOL. I thought that would be the norm everywhere.

helimachoptor · 09-10-2012 2:50pm

My last sick day was over 5 years ago I would say. I cracked ribs and worked from home for a week. If you can work from home there is very little reason to call in sick IMHO

JohnMarston · 09-10-2012 2:50pm

I've called in to work when i was genuinely sick, i've called in when i simply couldnt face work that day and knew i wouldnt miss much.

By the same token i've come into work sick when they really needed me or there was a lot of work to do.

Wishbone Ash · 09-10-2012 2:56pm

JohnMarston wrote: »

and knew i wouldnt miss much

Not really helpful if others have to do your work in addition to their own.

username123 · 09-10-2012 3:22pm

helimachoptor wrote: »

My last sick day was over 5 years ago I would say. I cracked ribs and worked from home for a week. If you can work from home there is very little reason to call in sick IMHO

A boss of mine wanted me to work from home once when I had gastroenteritis, unfortunately the laptop modem cable was not long enough to stretch into the loo which was where I was spending most of my time.

JohnMarston · 09-10-2012 3:27pm

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Not really helpful if others have to do your work in addition to their own.

No one has to do my work. If i dont go to work, it stays there until i return

Shinaynay · 09-10-2012 3:28pm

I went to Dr today (hoping to maybe be given an anti-biotic and sent on my way, able to return to work tomo. Turns out I have mild pnuemonia. Called work this morn to let them know, not once did I get asked 'how are you' it was 'did u get a cert' yes, for a week 'a week?! Are you taking the whole week off?!"

FFS like, youd swear I broke a nail. Ended up in tears on the phone saying I hoped to be in for Thursday :-(

Shinaynay · 09-10-2012 3:32pm

username123 wrote: »

helimachoptor wrote: »

My last sick day was over 5 years ago I would say. I cracked ribs and worked from home for a week. If you can work from home there is very little reason to call in sick IMHO

i
A boss of mine wanted me to work from home once when I had gastroenteritis, unfortunately the laptop modem cable was not long enough to stretch into the loo which was where I was spending most of my time.

Came down with that during Xmas dinner one year.. Mother of God, horrendous

RacoonQueen · 09-10-2012 3:45pm

Shinaynay wrote: »

I went to Dr today (hoping to maybe be given an anti-biotic and sent on my way, able to return to work tomo. Turns out I have mild pnuemonia. Called work this morn to let them know, not once did I get asked 'how are you' it was 'did u get a cert' yes, for a week 'a week?! Are you taking the whole week off?!"

FFS like, youd swear I broke a nail. Ended up in tears on the phone saying I hoped to be in for Thursday :-(

I was bullied into returning early once with a bad arm injury when I was doing a physical job. My last job were terrible when people called in sick. Made you feel like a liar. I went in on numerous occassions (to a hospital where I was working with vulenerable, ill patients) with ferocious chest infections. Was never sent home and got catty comments that the reason why I was ill was due to my lifestyle (I do long distance running). While someone else was an alcoholic and got sympathy when they were 'unwell' (hungover). One girl I worked with was sent into ICU to work with patients when she came in with a bad cold/chest infection. :eek:

Turned out the reason I was always sick was due to a tumour. Due to this, never again. In future, in any job, when I'm actually sick - I will call in sick. They were more concerned about their sick leave stats than they were about the health of their employees. To this day when I think back to how sick I used to be I have no idea how I was able to muster the strength to do a days work. Probably based purely on the 'fear' of calling in sick.

Shinaynay · 09-10-2012 3:58pm

RacoonQueen wrote: »

Shinaynay wrote: »

I went to Dr today (hoping to maybe be given an anti-biotic and sent on my way, able to return to work tomo. Turns out I have mild pnuemonia. Called work this morn to let them know, not once did I get asked 'how are you' it was 'did u get a cert' yes, for a week 'a week?! Are you taking the whole week off?!"

FFS like, youd swear I broke a nail. Ended up in tears on the phone saying I hoped to be in for Thursday :-(

I was bullied into returning early once with a bad arm injury when I was doing a physical job. My last job were terrible when people called in sick. Made you feel like a liar. I went in on numerous occassions (to a hospital where I was working with vulenerable, ill patients) with ferocious chest infections. Was never sent home and got catty comments that the reason why I was ill was due to my lifestyle (I do long distance running). While someone else was an alcoholic and got sympathy when they were 'unwell' (hungover). One girl I worked with was sent into ICU to work with patients when she came in with a bad cold/chest infection. :eek:

Turned out the reason I was always sick was due to a tumour. Due to this, never again. In future, in any job, when I'm actually sick - I will call in sick. They were more concerned about their sick leave stats than they were about the health of their employees. To this day when I think back to how sick I used to be I have no idea how I was able to muster the strength to do a days work. Probably based purely on the 'fear' of calling in sick.

Jesus, thats shocking! Hope youre okay now! If someone where I work (retail) calls in sick, its presumed they're hungover/duvet day.
Managers in the office, like you said, making catty remarks "Oh did you see Marys out sick with a kidney infection, AGAIN!" etc..
Its actually realy bugging me as last time I was ill&on anti biotics I came in even though I was sweating with a temperature, and had a sick note for the week and never got so much as a thanks.

Wishbone Ash · 09-10-2012 4:11pm

JohnMarston wrote: »

No one has to do my work. If i dont go to work, it stays there until i return

Those of us who manage those who work in 24/7/365 "essential services" don't have that luxury. The service has to be provided with the reduced staff.

username123 · 09-10-2012 4:14pm

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Those of us who manage those who work in 24/7/365 "essential services" don't have that luxury. The service has to be provided with the reduced staff.

Its bad management if there isnt enough slack to cover for illness/holidays/maternity leave etc... People are people, they get sick and they have accidents from time to time, no business should be so dependant on one individual that its at risk if someone has a car accident or a sudden illness.

Wishbone Ash · 09-10-2012 4:23pm

username123 wrote: »

Its bad management if there isnt enough slack to cover for illness/holidays/maternity leave etc.

....and there happens to be a recruitment/overtime ban in the public service.

The thought that I could have "slack" to cover illness/maternity leave seems like a distant dream!

Procrastastudy · 09-10-2012 4:26pm

If you're too scared to call in and go in anyway; you weren't sick enough to call in in the first place.

Procrastastudy · 09-10-2012 4:28pm

username123 wrote: »

Its bad management if there isnt enough slack to cover for illness/holidays/maternity leave etc... People are people, they get sick and they have accidents from time to time, no business should be so dependant on one individual that its at risk if someone has a car accident or a sudden illness.

Would you mind if retail upped prices across the board to cover all the extra staff? 95% of retail operations run with the bare minimum staff. If someone phones in sick you may get cover you may not. Everyone has to just stay late, miss breaks and offer a reduced service.

Shinaynay · 09-10-2012 4:35pm

Procrastastudy wrote: »

If you're too scared to call in and go in anyway; you weren't sick enough to call in in the first place.

Maybe thats true. I also think if you can go in with a hangover you can go in with a cold. But in many instances like tonsilitis, bronchitis, pneumonia etc, you are more of a threat to others than yourself & your bosses should completely understand that.
I am one person out of staff of 30 yet I was made to feel like the place would go under without me.

Procrastastudy · 09-10-2012 4:37pm

Shinaynay wrote: »

Maybe thats true. I also think if you can go in with a hangover you can go in with a cold. But in many instances like tonsilitis, bronchitis, pneumonia etc, you are more of a threat to others than yourself & your bosses should completely understand that.
I am one person out of staff of 30 yet I was made to feel like the place would go under without me.

That is bad management. Always treat as genuine, you wait until the return to work interview to really scare the crap out of people!

Shinaynay · 09-10-2012 4:37pm

Procrastastudy wrote: »

username123 wrote: »

Its bad management if there isnt enough slack to cover for illness/holidays/maternity leave etc... People are people, they get sick and they have accidents from time to time, no business should be so dependant on one individual that its at risk if someone has a car accident or a sudden illness.

Would you mind if retail upped prices across the board to cover all the extra staff? 95% of retail operations run with the bare minimum staff. If someone phones in sick you may get cover you may not. Everyone has to just stay late, miss breaks and offer a reduced service.

None of that is true.

Procrastastudy · 09-10-2012 4:38pm

Shinaynay wrote: »

None of that is true.

I would say 15 years of retail experience would give me some insight.

the_syco · 09-10-2012 4:40pm

Shinaynay wrote: »

FFS like, youd swear I broke a nail. Ended up in tears on the phone saying I hoped to be in for Thursday :-(

Pretty sure it's illegal to go back to work before the sick cert is finished, unless you get another cert saying you can go back to work.

Procrastastudy wrote: »

If you're too scared to call in and go in anyway; you weren't sick enough to call in in the first place.

Does this include going to work when you have the vomiting sh|tting winter flu thing, and you work with people who have weak health?

Wishbone Ash · 09-10-2012 4:42pm

......and there are those who go sick because they know in advance that there is going to be a shortage and are fed up doing the work of two people - further exacerbating the problem. It not pleasant informing someone on Christmas night that they will have to do the work of two.

Procrastastudy · 09-10-2012 4:43pm

the_syco wrote: »

Pretty sure it's illegal to go back to work before the sick cert is finished, unless you get another cert saying you can go back to work.

I'm pretty sure this isn't illegal but very ill-advised from an insurance/liability point of view.

the_syco wrote: »

Does this include going to work when you have the vomiting sh|tting winter flu thing, and you work with people who have weak health?

If you are vomiting and ****ting I don't see you making it into work in all honesty.

One caveat on my previous statement is certain industries have specific guidelines such as diarrhea and the food industry. That said if you are working with vulnerable people you should have had your flu shot.

WhatNowForUs? · 09-10-2012 4:45pm

Procrastastudy wrote: »

If you're too scared to call in and go in anyway; you weren't sick enough to call in in the first place.

Not true. Some people can feel bullied into it even when they shouldn't be there, as has been mentioned.

Procrastastudy · 09-10-2012 4:49pm

WhatNowForUs? wrote: »

Not true. Some people can feel bullied into it even when they shouldn't be there, as has been mentioned.

I disagree - if you can walk and talk and keep control of yourself then off to work or the doctor. Having dealt with sick staff over a period of over ten years, in various parts of the UK and Ireland, the vast majority were taking the mickey. Irish staff and hang overs where particularly prevalent.

English = Cant handle drink or hang over
Irish = Cant handle hang over
Scottish = Sorted

Shinaynay · 09-10-2012 4:53pm

Procrastastudy wrote: »

Shinaynay wrote: »

None of that is true.

I would say 15 years of retail experience would give me some insight.

judging on all your law based threads its obviously not something youve been working at recently. I am a manager in a Dept. Store which is on average about +5% vs ly on a weekly basis. This means we have extra staff in all the time. So to say that people will have no breaks, have to stay late and will be offering a lesser service if one person calls in sick is completely untrue in my case. We sell clothes, not save lives.

Wanderer2010 · 09-10-2012 4:56pm

Procrastastudy wrote: »

Would you mind if retail upped prices across the board to cover all the extra staff? 95% of retail operations run with the bare minimum staff. If someone phones in sick you may get cover you may not. Everyone has to just stay late, miss breaks and offer a reduced service.

Excuse me?? I have been to many, many shops where there were far more staff than were needed. Example, Specsavers have about 12 staff but none of them seem to want to stop chatting to each other for a second in order to serve you, and when they are busy, there are still at least 4 of them twiddling their thumbs doing nothing. Ditto to Supervalu, Sam McCauleys, Superquinn etc, where on earth are you getting that statistic from?

As for the OP, I would have no problem calling in sick. In my work, sick leave is routinely abused and if you cant beat them then join them. Yes, call me a sheep all you like but in my opinion you actually get some respect for not being so predictable and turning up day after day even when you are sick. Nobody is going to thank you for endlessly slaving away at work, despite what you think. Managers actually lose respect for a worker who will turn up to work even when sick. I take my full allocated sick leave each year and I make no apology for it. I blame the weak managers who are too scared to tackle the issue for fear of harrassment accusations etc..

mooonpie · 09-10-2012 5:06pm

There are a few people I work with that refuse to take any time off when they're fending off a cold/flu, instead they power through and come in to work to milk all the sympathy they can get.

Now I can deal with the above, it's the knock on effect of half the team taking a sick day or 2 in the weeks immediately following this feat of human endurance and listening to these poor souls going on about people that dare to take a sick day that bugs me. "Is Jimmy out sick today?! Jaysus, I was smothered with it all last week but ya didn't see me taking a day off!"

Maybe if ya did take the day off instead of coming in, coughing and spluttering all over the building, Jimmy might never have needed to take the day off and we wouldn't be sat here listening to ya give out about all the work ya have to do because Jimmy's not as dedicated to the company as you! :mad: </rant>

If you're sick enough to infect your co-workers, you're plenty sick enough to stay at home

Shinaynay · 09-10-2012 5:06pm

Wanderer2010 wrote: »

Procrastastudy wrote: »

Would you mind if retail upped prices across the board to cover all the extra staff? 95% of retail operations run with the bare minimum staff. If someone phones in sick you may get cover you may not. Everyone has to just stay late, miss breaks and offer a reduced service.

Excuse me?? I have been to many, many shops where there were far more staff than were needed. Example, Specsavers have about 12 staff but none of them seem to want to stop chatting to each other for a second in order to serve you, and when they are busy, there are still at least 4 of them twiddling their thumbs doing nothing. Ditto to Supervalu, Sam McCauleys, Superquinn etc, where on earth are you getting that statistic from?

As for the OP, I would have no problem calling in sick. In my work, sick leave is routinely abused and if you cant beat them then join them. Yes, call me a sheep all you like but in my opinion you actually get some respect for not being so predictable and turning up day after day even when you are sick. Nobody is going to thank you for endlessly slaving away at work, despite what you think. Managers actually lose respect for a worker who will turn up to work even when sick. I take my full allocated sick leave each year and I make no apology for it. I blame the weak managers who are too scared to tackle the issue for fear of harrassment accusations etc..

Totally agree with the Specsavers comment! Theres about 3/4 staff to every customer!
Just to elaborate- why do you think a manager would lose respect for someone who comes in when sick?

I agree you should call in when sick but alot of bitching goes on behind backs. I can imagine them now '
"Did you see Shinaynay has pneumonia?! She must of been out all weekend wearing nothing!" (none of which is true)
this is the kind of sh1te said about other ppl to me so ive no doubt its being said about me.

Wishbone Ash · 09-10-2012 5:11pm

Wanderer2010 wrote: »

in my opinion you actually get some respect for not being so predictable and turning up day after day even when you are sick. Nobody is going to thank you for endlessly slaving away at work

I do. Each year I write a formal letter to those who have not missed a day in more than 5 years. I wrote 16 letters this year. One person is in their 26th year without missing a day. 4 others have more than 10 years without sick leave and the rest between 5 and 10 years. The staff concerned are very appreciative of this acknowledgement. (I should also be a recipient of a letter but I can't really write to myself.

)

Wishbone Ash · 09-10-2012 5:16pm

Shinaynay wrote: »

why do you think a manager would lose respect for someone who comes in when sick?

If I may answer from my perspective:

1. If a person is physically unfit for duty I have to send them home.
2. They may spread illness/infections to others or pose a health and safety risk.
3. No one likes a martyr - especially one who goes on about it.

Shinaynay · 09-10-2012 5:17pm

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Wanderer2010 wrote: »

in my opinion you actually get some respect for not being so predictable and turning up day after day even when you are sick. Nobody is going to thank you for endlessly slaving away at work

I do. Each year I write a formal letter to those who have not missed a day in more than 5 years. I wrote 16 letters this year. One person is in their 26th year without missing a day. 4 others have more than 10 years without sick leave and the rest between 5 and 10 years. The staff concerned are very appreciative of this acknowledgement. (I should also be a recipient of a letter but I can't really write to myself. )

Wonder how would someone who sufferred from cancer or any other form of illness would feel sat next to a smug co-worker who just got a thank you card for no sick days in 5 years!

are these actual grown ups getting these letters or school children?

Edit: in all seriousness, sometimes you just cant help if you are sick.

jd83 · 09-10-2012 5:27pm

If im sick enough that it will affect my job performance, or make me more sick or infect the people I work with I will just call in sick. I couldn't care less what my managers or co-workers have to say about it. Im rarely sick, i don't take so called "duvet days".

If someone is genuinely sick they should be able to call in sick without any snotty remarks or consequences. It someone is taking the piss it should be handled according to company policy e.g. company doctor, meetings to discuss etc, rather than making remarks behind someones back and general pettiness.

I hate jobs were the manager seems to think there also a qualified doctor and able to diagnose whether someone is fit for work or not.

WhatNowForUs? · 09-10-2012 5:30pm

Procrastastudy wrote: »

WhatNowForUs? wrote: »

Not true. Some people can feel bullied into it even when they shouldn't be there, as has been mentioned.

I disagree - if you can walk and talk and keep control of yourself then off to work or the doctor. Having dealt with sick staff over a period of over ten years, in various parts of the UK and Ireland, the vast majority were taking the mickey. Irish staff and hang overs where particularly prevalent.

English = Cant handle drink or hang over
Irish = Cant handle hang over
Scottish = Sorted

I suppose like the person who had a tumor in a previous post.

Shinaynay · 09-10-2012 5:35pm

jd83 wrote: »

If im sick enough that it will affect my job performance, or make me more sick or infect the people I work with I will just call in sick. I couldn't care less what my managers or co-workers have to say about it. Im rarely sick, i don't take so called "duvet days".

If someone is genuinely sick they should be able to call in sick without any snotty remarks or consequences. It someone is taking the piss it should be handled according to company policy e.g. company doctor, meetings to discuss etc, rather than making remarks behind someones back and general pettiness.

I hate jobs were the manager seems to think there also a qualified doctor and able to diagnose whether someone is fit for work or not.

If someones ringing me of a morning saying *fake sick voice* 'heeeey i dont think Im gonna be able to come in today Im not feeling well' I will be pissed off.

If you ring and explain your symptoms, leave out the sick voice, give an estimate of when youll be back & tell us when your going to tge docs & that youll ring us after, I completely accept that. But there is still a level of bitchy-ness that goes with that!

Procrastastudy · 09-10-2012 5:43pm

Shinaynay wrote: »

judging on all your law based threads its obviously not something youve been working at recently. I am a manager in a Dept. Store which is on average about +5% vs ly on a weekly basis. This means we have extra staff in all the time. So to say that people will have no breaks, have to stay late and will be offering a lesser service if one person calls in sick is completely untrue in my case. We sell clothes, not save lives.

The reason I said 95% is because there will always be exceptions. Dept stores and some large supermarkets will manage thats just economies of scale. Stand alone retail, especially in lower margin to drapery, will be hit hard. My last retail management job was roughly a year ago. I also did not say no breaks.

Having worked in PC, Mobile phone and games with friends managing cafes, drapery stores and a host of other type of stores I can assure you the situation is very different to dept. stores. I will say you aren't alone in your attitude - large department stores have eroded closures during public holidays over the years. They simply don't understand that not everyone has 16 department managers and shed loads of staff - so the same people end up working Xmas, New Year and easter because the 'anchor tenant' insists on opening. Suffice it to say we had a slightly different name for them.

In regards to a tumor - I'm not overly sure how bed rest cures tumors but I'm not a doctor.

Shinaynay · 09-10-2012 5:51pm

Procrastastudy wrote: »

Shinaynay wrote: »

judging on all your law based threads its obviously not something youve been working at recently. I am a manager in a Dept. Store which is on average about +5% vs ly on a weekly basis. This means we have extra staff in all the time. So to say that people will have no breaks, have to stay late and will be offering a lesser service if one person calls in sick is completely untrue in my case. We sell clothes, not save lives.

The reason I said 95% is because there will always be exceptions. Dept stores and some large supermarkets will manage thats just economies of scale. Stand alone retail, especially in lower margin to drapery, will be hit hard. My last retail management job was roughly a year ago. I also did not say no breaks.

Having worked in PC, Mobile phone and games with friends managing cafes, drapery stores and a host of other type of stores I can assure you the situation is very different to dept. stores. I will say you aren't alone in your attitude - large department stores have eroded closures during public holidays over the years. They simply don't understand that not everyone has 16 department managers and shed loads of staff - so the same people end up working Xmas, New Year and easter because the 'anchor tenant' insists on opening. Suffice it to say we had a slightly different name for them.

completely off topic. but thanks for the insight.

In regards to a tumor - I'm not overly sure how bed rest cures tumors but I'm not a doctor.

probably wont cure it- but alot more beneficial than a 12 hr shift in a hospital.

Procrastastudy · 09-10-2012 5:57pm

Shinaynay wrote: »

completely off topic. but thanks for the insight.

probably wont cure it- but alot more beneficial than a 12 hr shift in a hospital.

You may have noticed I said work OR Doctor... I think the latter would be better for everyone.

I won't labour the point further than to say: My attitude was always get in to me or get into a doctor. If the person was genuinely so ill they couldn't get out of bed or indeed even if I thought they were taking the p!ss they got a sympathetic 'Get well soon' and a professional attitude. My bullsh!t detector was highly attuned and during a RTI someone with a doctors note would have got a much easier time of it. Frankly if you're too ill to come to work it's almost certain you're worried about it enough to see a doctor.

username123 · 09-10-2012 6:37pm

Procrastastudy wrote: »

My attitude was always get in to me or get into a doctor.

I would never have been someone who phoned in for a duvet day or a hangover etc...

Although if Im spending 30-60 euro on a doctor I like to get my moneys worth and will tell the doc its a stressful time in the job and to maximise the time off - why not, cant argue with a doctors note eh?

Ultimately no job is more important than my health, and while Ive never been a p-taker, Ive never been a martyr either and if I am sick, I will not go to work - end of. As for letters commending people for never taking a sick day? Id wipe my bum with such a missive, unless Im getting a cash bonus with it, letter written thanks wont put food on the table or improve my already apparently excellent health.

Procrastastudy · 09-10-2012 6:42pm

username123 wrote: »

I would never have been someone who phoned in for a duvet day or a hangover etc...

Although if Im spending 30-60 euro on a doctor I like to get my moneys worth and will tell the doc its a stressful time in the job and to maximise the time off - why not, cant argue with a doctors note eh?

Ultimately no job is more important than my health, and while Ive never been a p-taker, Ive never been a martyr either and if I am sick, I will not go to work - end of. As for letters commending people for never taking a sick day? Id wipe my bum with such a missive, unless Im getting a cash bonus with it, letter written thanks wont put food on the table or improve my already apparently excellent health.

Actually it's lost on quite a few people that inability to meet your contractual obligations, not withstanding doctors notes, is grounds for termination. If someone was complaining of stress that would be dealt with at the RTI and that person would be dealt with professionally ans sympathetically - primarily becuase its the decent thing to do but also because of the rise in litigation on the matter. That said I wouldn't look to favourably on someone's promotion prospects who couldn;t handle the job they were in currently.

Sorry thats a little OT but worth noting (sorry for the pun)

Wanderer2010 · 09-10-2012 6:46pm

Shinaynay wrote: »

Totally agree with the Specsavers comment! Theres about 3/4 staff to every customer!
Just to elaborate- why do you think a manager would lose respect for someone who comes in when sick?

I agree you should call in when sick but alot of bitching goes on behind backs. I can imagine them now '
"Did you see Shinaynay has pneumonia?! She must of been out all weekend wearing nothing!" (none of which is true)
this is the kind of sh1te said about other ppl to me so ive no doubt its being said about me.

Oh absolutely, but sadly you cannot change what people say about you so try not to care! Im sure they say the same about me when I take few days off because they also bitch to me about "Ooh so and so is off again this week, lazy cow" etc but they are all at it so why not just indulge, no point being a martyr.

A manager would lose respect because someone who comes into work when very sick is just sad, unless they are going to out and out die from not getting money for that day, and most companies have sick pay schemes anyway! Just sit back and enjoy your sick days I say.

username123 · 09-10-2012 6:50pm

Procrastastudy wrote: »

Actually it's lost on quite a few people that inability to meet your contractual obligations, not withstanding doctors notes, is grounds for termination. If someone was complaining of stress that would be dealt with at the RTI and that person would be dealt with professionally ans sympathetically - primarily becuase its the decent thing to do but also because of the rise in litigation on the matter. That said I wouldn't look to favourably on someone's promotion prospects who couldn;t handle the job they were in currently.

Sorry thats a little OT but worth noting (sorry for the pun)

I think what you are talking about here is people officially complaining of stress. In my post I was simply referring to unofficially telling my doc that work was pee-ing me off at the mo and could she add a few days to whatever number she was already going to cover me for on account of the strep throat or whatever was wrong.

My old doc was great, she used to tell me that if I ever just felt like a few duvet days to come in and she'd make up some illness to sign me off for - never actually took advantage of it but it was a nice thought. Although her medical reasoning was that sometimes we just need a couple of days off if we are going through a hard time in private life or sleeping badly etc...

Jogathon · 09-10-2012 7:11pm

Wanderer2010 wrote: »

As for the OP, I would have no problem calling in sick. In my work, sick leave is routinely abused and if you cant beat them then join them. Yes, call me a sheep all you like but in my opinion you actually get some respect for not being so predictable and turning up day after day even when you are sick. Nobody is going to thank you for endlessly slaving away at work, despite what you think. Managers actually lose respect for a worker who will turn up to work even when sick. I take my full allocated sick leave each year and I make no apology for it. I blame the weak managers who are too scared to tackle the issue for fear of harrassment accusations etc..

This shíte really p*sses me off. If you are sick then stay home. Otherwise get your hole into work. You have allocated holidays - sick leave is only IF you are sick. God, I really hate that lazy attitude.

Shinaynay · 09-10-2012 7:11pm

username123 wrote: »

My old doc was great, she used to tell me that if I ever just felt like a few duvet days to come in and she'd make up some illness to sign me off for.

Not sure that is the definition of a great doctor :rolleyes:

Wanderer2010 · 09-10-2012 7:18pm

Jogathon wrote: »

This shíte really p*sses me off. If you are sick then stay home. Otherwise get your hole into work. You have allocated holidays - sick leave is only IF you are sick. God, I really hate that lazy attitude.

Hey, mate, did you ever hear the saying "If you build it they will come"? Meaning its the system which is at fault not me, Im merely exploiting it. Im not going to drag myself to work every single day for the sake of some manager who might write me a letter saying thanks 5yrs down the road whilst my workmates are using the full allocated sick leave and managing to get a few holidays out of it, Im no martyr. If there was more of a crackdown at work on this I may think twice but there isnt so I dont :P

Jogathon · 09-10-2012 7:21pm

Wanderer2010 wrote: »

Hey, mate, did you ever hear the saying "If you build it they will come"? Meaning its the system which is at fault not me, Im merely exploiting it. Im not going to drag myself to work every single day for the sake of some manager who might write me a letter saying thanks 5yrs down the road whilst my workmates are using the full allocated sick leave and managing to get a few holidays out of it, Im no martyr. If there was more of a crackdown at work on this I may think twice but there isnt so I dont :P

It's the attitude. Can't stick it. It's wrong, and you know it is. This "I'm no martyr" crap? Grow up.

Wanderer2010 · 09-10-2012 7:25pm

Jogathon wrote: »

It's the attitude. Can't stick it. It's wrong, and you know it is. This "I'm no martyr" crap? Grow up.

Its not wrong in my opinion. Where I work its not the case where if Im out, another person has to work harder, the work simply waits for me so nobody suffers. Plus you would do the exact same thing im my shoes I bet money on it- you are given up to 2 weeks extra off from work a year, who the hell is going to shrug that off and come into work even if a bit sick just for the sake of it and being a "diligent " worker. The manager wont thank you, the company wont care and the only person who cares is yourself. Well done for being such a person but just because everyone isnt like you doesnt make them lazy or bad.

username123 · 09-10-2012 7:26pm

Shinaynay wrote: »

Not sure that is the definition of a great doctor :rolleyes:

Did you miss the bit about her medical reasoning

Kinda changes the context!

RacoonQueen · 09-10-2012 10:32pm

username123 wrote: »

I think what you are talking about here is people officially complaining of stress. In my post I was simply referring to unofficially telling my doc that work was pee-ing me off at the mo and could she add a few days to whatever number she was already going to cover me for on account of the strep throat or whatever was wrong.

My old doc was great, she used to tell me that if I ever just felt like a few duvet days to come in and she'd make up some illness to sign me off for - never actually took advantage of it but it was a nice thought. Although her medical reasoning was that sometimes we just need a couple of days off if we are going through a hard time in private life or sleeping badly etc...

Yeah, sometimes people need time off for stress or depression. Work can make both of these genuine illnesses much worse - especially now when so many people are doing the work of two. A good manager should know the difference between someone who is actually suffering from the above and who is taking the piss. I think it is actually the better workers who do get more stick because they are missed more in the workplace when they're not in. Should take it as a compliment really but when you've to set your alarm and rouse yourself into a state where you're strong enough to call in the last thing you want, or need, is a catty response, whats worse is when the manager isn't in yet and you've to make the call again.

Too scared to call in sick?

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