Working Sick: Do or Don't?

You're familiar with the scenario: A colleague in the next cubicle is hacking and sneezing, and you are afraid to breathe for fear of being infected with a nasty bug.
Although working sick may have been deemed a no-no in the past, it's a reality, and people often don't have a choice. 

If You Have to Work
If you have to work sick, the best thing you can do to avoid spreading germs is to regulary wash your hands. Germs are everywhere. We live in a germy world, and there is no way to ever get rid of all of them, but the most important prevention tactic is washing your hands or, even better, using an alcohol-based cleanser regularly.

In addition, sick employees should consider rescheduling meetings, avoid close contact with other individuals or even work from home, if permitted.

Everyone feels that their work is important, but you still have to pay attention to your own health and the health of others around you.

People are most infectious around 24 hours before symptoms of the cold or flu even begin. Washing your hands regularly will prevent those germs from being spread.

Even though you may feel the effects of the illness three to five days later, you are less likely to be infectious. You may feel crummy, but it is less likely you will spread the infection. However, a day or two at home in bed is the best option.

If you are ill and feel so bad that you can't concentrate and do your job to the best of your ability, then you should stay home. Just be reasonable, and if you are lucky enough to have sick days, definitely take advantage of them so that you can get back on your feet in the fastest manner possible.

Christiaan Janssens
CRO Akwa Wellness

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