Working Sick & Swine Flu

There is a lot of talk about the H1N1 “swine flu” virus. Two surveys provide a glimpse into how many of us go into work even when we are sick and legislation is currently being considered that would mandate paid sick leave for U.S. employers.

Out of 605 U.S. respondents to a recent Society for Human Resource (SHRM) management poll, 48% said that during the past 12 months “they felt they had to” report to work sick or else their work would not get done. One out of 10 respondents said they feared they would be subject to discipline for staying home.

Monster.com conducted a poll in May 2009 and nearly 12,000 U.S. workers responded. Although results are not scientific, 71% said they report to work even when ill; 33% because they fear losing their job, 38% because their workload is too busy. Respondents to both surveys also said they cannot afford to take a day off or didn't want to use a paid vacation day.

A bill (H.R. 2460) sponsored by Rep. DeLauro has been referred to committee and it would “allow Americans to earn paid sick time so that they can address their own health needs and the health needs of their families.” The legislation as introduced by DeLauro would require employers with 15 or more employees to provide up to seven days of paid sick leave. There is a related bill in the Senate (S.1152).

I’m not convinced that mandated paid sick days will address the desire to keep employees from reporting to work sick. I think it is more of a cultural issue in the workplace. What do you think?