What's driving these employees into the office with colds, cough drops, and crutches?

Since I was one of the lucky ones infected by the plague… this blog suits me well. I think the most important part of helping an employee that is out of the office or when you return from being out is to prioritize. Make a list of what is most important and what needs to be completed first and then move on. Rome wasn’t built in a day and sometimes it will take more time to catch up, but by prioritizing you can tackle smaller goals at one. This also works when others are out because you can prioritize your work and then help them as needed.

I found an article below that was kind of interesting. This article is titled, “Coming to Work Sick: Dedication or Desperation?”

“It's not uncommon for employees to show up at work sick--but is it becoming a trend? Nearly 90 percent of those responding to a LifeCare(R) poll admit to working sick. What's driving these employees into the office with colds, cough drops, and crutches? Not necessarily true dedication.

Here's what they said:
-- 27 percent show up out of obligation--they're stressed about their workload;
-- 24 percent feel it's too 'risky' to be absent;
-- 17 percent bankroll their sick time for child care emergencies; and
-- 18 percent weighed in with a variety of other motives.

LifeCare, the exclusive provider of Life Event Management(R) Services, conducted the month-long poll online, among the employees of its 1,000-plus clients nationwide.

"It's really in no one's best interest if an employee comes to work sick or avoids taking vacation time," says Peter G. Burki, LifeCare CEO and co-founder. "After all, ill and exhausted employees simply aren't going to be productive. And, employees with contagious conditions, such as the flu, put co-workers at risk for illness. Burki also points to the fact that employees who forego taking vacation time risk burnout and developing feelings of resentment--both of which can lead to productivity loss and employee turnover.

"It's admirable to be a dedicated employee but if this many people are foregoing staying home when they have legitimate cause, employers should consider openly addressing this issue and creating a culture that is more openly supportive," says Burki.”