Almost nine in 10 workers in the UK have gone into work while feeling unwell because they feel compelled to 'soldier on' or worry they are not 'ill enough', according to a study of 2,000 employees. The research, commissioned by Olbas, found that a quarter do not consider it acceptable to take time off for a cold or flu-like symptoms, with 58% feeling under pressure to work through illness.
Only one in 10 consistently take sick leave
More than one in 10 (13%) feel guilty when taking sick days, while 9% worry about how it will be perceived by others. Although 74% believe staying at home is the most sensible course of action for both themselves and their colleagues, only 10% consistently take sick leave when they are unwell.
The study also found that Gen Z are more likely to take a sick day than any other generation. More than one in five (21%) of those aged 18-29 typically take a day off when they are ill, along with 17% of Millennials. This drops to just 11% of Gen X, and a mere 7% of Boomers.
GP warns of 'winter recovery gap'
Dr Roger Henderson, NHS GP and spokesperson for Olbas, who is working on its Winter Recovery Report examining how Britain recovers from seasonal illness, said: "The research points towards a 'winter recovery gap'. The issue isn't simply whether people know they should rest, it's about feeling able to give yourself permission to do so."
He added: "'Powering through' work when we feel unwell can become deeply ingrained, so we convince ourselves that because a medicine has made us feel better, or because we can get through the working day, we must be well enough to carry on. However, symptom relief and recovery aren't necessarily the same thing."
Recovery habits and advice
The research, carried out via OnePoll, showed a quarter of all workers surveyed would rather continue working unless they were seriously unwell, with 12% regularly dismissing symptoms as simply a cold. Some 22% said knowing how best to manage their symptoms would give them greater confidence about when to rest and recover, while 21% would value understanding which medicines or treatments might help alleviate their symptoms.
Currently, 62% said drinking plenty of fluids helps them to recover, while 60% rely on getting enough sleep and 56% make sure they get enough rest. Almost half (47%) take over-the-counter cold or flu remedies, while 30% said using a decongestant when congested.
Dr Henderson added: "Rest, sleep and hydration are some of the best things people can do to help themselves recover. It's important to listen to how you're actually feeling rather than using symptom relief as a signal that you're completely recovered."
He noted that over-the-counter medicines can ease symptoms but should be used as directed, and a pharmacist can help choose an appropriate treatment. Simple measures such as warm drinks, natural decongestants, and staying hydrated can also help. He mentioned some evidence for the herbal ingredient Pelargonium, as some studies suggest its extract may reduce the severity of an acute cough and may help symptoms resolve somewhat sooner.
"Ultimately though, recovery isn't about doing absolutely nothing whenever you have a sniffle, but is all about recognising when your body needs you to slow down," he said.
