Nearly nine in 10 workers have gone into the office while unwell because they feel compelled to 'soldier on' or worry they are not 'ill enough', according to research involving 2,000 workers. An NHS GP has warned that symptom relief is not the same as proper recovery.
Most workers feel pressured to work while sick
The study found that a quarter of workers believe taking time off for a cold or flu-like symptoms is unacceptable, with 58% feeling pressured to work whilst sick. More than one in 10 (13%) experience guilt when taking sick days, and 9% are concerned about how colleagues will view them.
While 74% believe staying home is the most responsible action for themselves and others, only 10% consistently take sick leave when feeling poorly.
Generation differences in sick days
The research, commissioned by Olbas, found that Gen Z are more inclined 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 sick when unwell, along with 17% of Millennials. This falls to just 11% of Gen X, and merely 7% of Boomers.
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."
Recovery habits and remedies
The study revealed that 25% of all workers surveyed would prefer to continue working unless they were seriously ill, with 12% frequently dismissing symptoms as merely a cold. The research, conducted via OnePoll, discovered 22% said understanding how to best manage their symptoms would give them greater confidence about when to rest and recover. Meanwhile, 21% would like to know which medications or remedies might help ease 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 Roger 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 can also help individual symptoms, such as warm drinks for a sore throat, natural decongestants for a blocked nose, and staying hydrated for respiratory symptoms. He also mentioned some evidence for the herbal ingredient Pelargonium, as some studies suggest its extract may reduce the severity of an acute cough and help symptoms resolve sooner. He concluded: "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."
