Kiran Trivedi Argues: We Need to Take Our Sick Days

Something that has surprised no one, this week a survey has revealed that less people than ever are taking sick days. This is unacceptable, and this week on the Kiran Trivedi blog, I’going to let you know why.

Kiran Trivedi on the Changing of Office Culture

Once upon a time, especially in this country, it was common practise to take a sickie and play a little hooky every once in a while. Say you’d hammered the vodka a little too heavily the night before, and didn’t have anything really important to do at work the next day? It was practically expected that you’d take a sick day.

However, things have really changed. In a modern world, where markets are more competitive than ever, people simply don’t want to take a sick day. It’s not because, however, people are more committed to their professions than ever. People are simply more afraid now than they were before, that if they take too many sickies, they’ll lose their jobs.

Increase in Mental Health Issues, Long Term Illness

The numbers back this up. Industry body EEF conducted a survey of 330 firms over the past two years. This survey revealed that in the UK, the number of employees taking sick days is at an all-time low. Essentially the average dipped to 2.1%, the equivalent of 4.9 days of the year per worker.

You might think this is good, as less sick days would lead to greater productivity; you’d be wrong. EEF also found a rise in the number of workers reporting mental health problems, as well as a rise in the number of workers taking time off for a long term illness.

Bad for Business, Bad for You

Obviously this is bad for business; whilst a day off or two can be compensated for with little effort by the higher ups, when an employee takes more time off, it’s harder to compensate, and drives down the company’s bottom line.

However, I would also argue that it’s bad for the employee and their own personal finances. No sick days apparently leads to more stress, longer illness holidays etc. This often disqualifies you as a promotion prospect, and drives down the quality of your work. Essentially, you’ll stay on the lower rungs of the corporate ladder, and be less likely to earn the big bucks!

There you have it Kiran Trivedi readers. You might think you’re doing yourself a favour battling through your flu and heading into work, but you really aren’t. Do yourself a favour and take the odd sick day; your personal finances will thank you in the long run!