Nearly nine out of 10 employees have turned up to work while feeling unwell because they feel compelled to 'soldier on' or worry they are not 'ill enough', according to new research. A GP has warned that symptom relief is not the same as full recovery.
The research, involving 2,000 employees, revealed that a quarter don't think it's acceptable to take time off for a cold or flu-like symptoms, with 58% feeling pressured to work through illness. More than one in 10 (13%) experience guilt when taking sick days, with 9% concerned about how it will be viewed.
Workers feel pressure to push on
The findings showed that while 74% think staying home is the most sensible course of action for themselves and colleagues, only 10% consistently take sick leave when poorly.
Dr Roger Henderson, NHS GP and spokesperson for Olbas, which commissioned the research, 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."
Generation differences in sick leave
The study discovered 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 they are poorly, alongside 17% of Millennials. This falls to just 11% of Gen X, and only 7% of Boomers.
The research, conducted through OnePoll, found that 22% said understanding how best to manage their symptoms would make them more assured about when to rest and recuperate. Meanwhile, 21% would appreciate knowing which medicines or treatments could help ease their symptoms.
Recovery advice from the GP
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 can help with individual symptoms, such as warm drinks for a sore throat, natural decongestants for a blocked nose, and staying hydrated for respiratory symptoms.
Dr Henderson also mentioned some evidence for the herbal ingredient Pelargonium, as some studies suggest that Pelargonium extract may reduce the severity of an acute cough and may help symptoms resolve somewhat 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."
