It happens to the best of us. At some point during the year we come down with a cold, virus, or maybe even the influenza bug. This is something we all have to prepare for. Do you call in sick or do you take the chance of infecting your co-workers?
According to salary.com, calling in sick or taking unplanned time off is happening less frequently as employees feel as though they shouldn’t miss work. In fact, experts have invented a word to describe it – “presenteeism,” which refers to when employees come to work even when they shouldn’t.
If you aren’t a believer in “presenteeism,” don’t feel guilty if you decide to stay home for a legitimate reason. If you’re miserable, you’ll be doing your co-workers and yourself a favor by skipping an unproductive, germ-spreading day in the work place.
Here are a few etiquette tips to consider when calling in sick to work:
1. Know the companies call-in procedures. If you do not know, get your employee hand book out and read the policy.
2. Be considerate and give as much notice as possible. Speak with your boss on the phone. Don’t send an email or text the details.
3. Mental health day. If you’re feeling burnt out and you need time to recharge your battery, schedule a day off in advance so you do not inconvenience your colleagues.
4. Bounce back with a vengeance. Be prepared to return the favor for whoever stayed a little late for you or attended a meeting in your place. It’s only polite to show them the gratitude they deserve.
5. Get a doctor’s note if you’re calling in sick to work for the proper reason. Your boss will respect your honesty and will consider that when reviewing your work in the future. If you call in too often or for the wrong reasons, employers pick up on that and may not consider you for promotions in the future.
I hope you find these tips helpful the next time you are either sick or just need a day to rest. What other rules of etiquette do you follow when calling in sick to work?
Annette Miles
Annette has been with AurStaff since September 1995. Over her 20 years with the company, she began as a part-time Recruiter and has worked her way up to Senior Account Manager. She enjoys the satisfaction of taking a great candidate and placing them with a great client and seeing it grow into a successful placement for both. In Annette’s spare time, she enjoys boating and camping with her family.
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