One lesson to take away from the COVID-19 pandemic is the need to encourage sick employees to stay home.
It’s not uncommon for employees to feel guilty for taking time off – neglecting their health in the name of productivity. As a show of commitment to the company, they might:
- Skip breaks
- Work on vacation
- Show up to work feeling unwell or flat-out sick
When someone on your team has the flu or any other contagious illness, it’s vital to give them time to recover and get well.
It can be hard to make the mental shift to not just allow, but to encourage employees to take sick time. As a business leader, consider renewing your commitment to encouraging sick employees to stay home.
Here’s why.
1. Less absenteeism in the long run
Encouraging sick employees to stay home requires a short-term productivity sacrifice, but in the long run, there’s likely to be a reduction in overall absenteeism.
When contagious employees come to work, the problem of absenteeism can potentially multiply as their illness spreads around the office, creating the need for more employees to be out.
On top of that, you may also have employees who are at a higher risk of having complications from the flu or another illness. What may feel like a minor illness to one employee could be much more detrimental to another. Removing the pressure to be present when sick helps protect your most vulnerable employees from harm.
2. Productivity is possible from a distance
Another lesson COVID-19 made clear: many jobs can be done from home.
Perhaps your business was forced to hammer out all the details of working remotely for the first time. Or maybe your managers and employees have a lot more experience with how to do so effectively.
You can use that experience to your advantage when employees become sick. Instead of using sick time or paid time off (PTO), your employees who don’t need to be physically present to do their job can work from home if they feel well enough to do so.
3. Good for morale
Would you be willing to risk losing employees who you’ve invested in? That’s what can happen in a culture of overworking where rest is discouraged.
When you encourage employees to stay home when sick, you send the message that you prioritize their health and well-being.
This can boost your organizational morale and helps you retain your employees over time. Employees are more likely to stick around when they feel respected and cared for.
Cosmo Insurance Agency is a full-service independent insurance agency based in Hackensack (Bergen County) and Lakewood (Ocean County), New Jersey that offers an all-encompassing range of insurance options for both individuals and businesses. Cosmo keeps its promise to assure an efficient and creative approach to the services we offer. Each of our clients experience a personalized and long-term relationship with us. Our New Jersey based team of health brokers guides our clients in helping them choose the most cost-effective options. By incorporating our knowledge of the insurance guidelines for healthcare, employee benefits, life insurance, self-insurance, dental, disability, and long term care insurance, we keep our clients up-to-date with affordable plans that cover all their specific insurance needs.
