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Has Remote Work Killed The “Sick Day?”

By Hugh Fort in US business news, posted September 11, 2024

With remote work becoming more prevalent, there's been a shift in how employees approach sick leave.

Working at home undoubtedly provides more flexibility for workers, allowing them a better work/life balance and reducing the exhausting commuting time.

Before the Covid pandemic, if a person was ill, they'd call their boss, explain the situation and then take time off until they recover.

Now, remote working means workers don't have to face commuting in, or the possibility of infecting the rest of their colleagues.

Could it be the case workers are pushing through illnesses that would've meant a day off four years ago as they're able to work at a more gentle pace at home?

While working from home offers more flexibility, it also blurs the lines between rest and work, raising the question: are people taking fewer sick days now?

A Decline in Sick Leave with Remote Work

Data suggests fewer people are taking formal sick leave since remote work became the norm.

In the United Kingdom, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that sick leave dropped to a record low in 2020.

The rate of working hours lost due to illness fell from 3.1% in 1995 to 1.8% in 2020.

This decline is partially attributed to remote work and furlough schemes, which reduce the spread of illnesses like the flu.

In the United States, similar trends are emerging. A survey conducted in 2020 found workers were less likely to take time off while working from home, even if they were unwell.

This reluctance may stem from concerns that employers might perceive their absence negatively when they are already at home.

The Rise of "Presenteeism"

While fewer employees may be taking formal sick leave, this doesn't necessarily indicate improved health. Many are still working while ill, a behavior known as "presenteeism."

Research shows 84% of employees have observed presenteeism during the pandemic. This trend is concerning because working while sick can reduce productivity and extend the duration of an illness.

In some cases, companies are trying to combat this by offering additional wellness days. For example, LinkedIn and Hootsuite introduced extra time off for employees to focus on their wellbeing, acknowledging the challenges of remote work pressures.

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Remote Work and Mental Health

Another factor influencing sick leave is mental health.

Some remote work situations mean employees find themselves spending a lot of time alone, which could be a factor in increased stress and burnout.

While physical illness rates may be lower, mental health issues can often go unnoticed when working remotely. Symptoms like anxiety or depression might not prompt employees to take a sick day, especially when they feel pressured to be constantly available.

The Future of Sick Leave in a Remote World

As remote work continues to evolve, companies are recognizing the need to rethink their sick leave policies. Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid models, may further reduce the need for traditional sick days.

However, experts stress the importance of distinguishing between functional "presenteeism," where mild illness may not impact work, and harmful behavior that leads to decreased performance and extended illness.

The key point is companies need to encourage a culture where employees feel comfortable taking time off when needed—whether for physical or mental health—is critical for long-term productivity and engagement.

Key Takeaways for Employers

Fewer Sick Days: Remote work has led to a decrease in official sick leave, especially for minor illnesses.
Increased Presenteeism: Many remote workers continue to work while sick, which could harm long-term productivity.
Wellbeing Initiatives: Companies are responding with more wellness days and mental health support to combat burnout.

By fostering a supportive environment that encourages employees to prioritize their health, companies can strike a balance between productivity and wellbeing in the remote work era.

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