Increasing numbers of British workers are so worried about losing their jobs that they’re trudging to work despite nursing bad colds or flu.
The Fisherman’s Friends annual British cold and flu survey may seem like a flippant bit of publicity but its findings suggest that the health of our working nation is suffering as a result of prolonged economic difficulty.
Six out of 10 workers said they didn’t take a single day off work due to bug and virus related illness during 2012. According to the survey the average employee was struck down with an average of two such illnesses a year.
The poll of 2,000 adults also showed that the average time taken off for such ailments was less than 1.4 days compared with an average of two days in 2011 and more than double the number four years ago.
There is an upside. The fall in absenteeism is thought to have shaved off an extra £1.35bn off the cost of winter ailments to the UK economy through lost working hours. The figure now stands at £3.26bn a year compared to £9bn when the survey first started in 2008.
“Our annual survey makes fascinating reading as it shows how the average British worker is now increasingly determined to carry on working even when ill,” said Fisherman’s Friend spokesman Rob Metcalfe.
“During more auspicious times, people appear much more confident to call in sick and rest up until they get better. But when people fear for their jobs they are much more determined to show their dedication to the cause even when ill.”
While any reduction in absenteeism is undoubtedly a benefit fear of losing one’s job is not the ideal solution. Working through a stinking cold or bout of flu to get the job done is commendable but can pose longer-term health risks. It also demonstrates poor infection control. Recently several businesses saw more than 50% of their staff fall foul to the infamous Norovirus in just a week. Interestingly there isn’t any data available on how performance and productivity falls through the flu season. An employee may have made it into work but just how effective are they at their job with a head full of cloud and a fever?
The answer is a balance needs to be struck and it can be achieved through ensuring staff moral and motivation. That way employees can feel confident that they can take time off work to get better without fearing loss of employment and employers can be confident that they are getting the best from their staff.
Of course, Fisherman’s Friend might not be so keen to see such a transition. According to its report throat lozenges sales soared in the run up to Christmas with more than six million sold in October alone – a rise of 32% on 2011.
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