Employees using too many cold meds due to fear of being judged for taking sick days.

There is a disturbing trend in the workplace known as "sick shaming" that has been causing quite a stir. It's a practice that puts pressure on employees to come to work even when they are sick, only to be criticized or looked down upon for not looking well. This has become a major issue in many offices, leading to an increase in the sales of cold medications and possibly causing people to over-medicate.

According to a report from last December by the consumer intelligence firm NIQ, the sales of over-the-counter medications for upper respiratory infections rose by 23% in 2020 compared to 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes a 30% increase in cold and flu medications. These numbers are quite alarming and suggest that sick shaming is a prevalent issue in many workplaces.

In fact, a recent survey by Resume Builder revealed that 3 out of 10 managers believe that employees with severe colds should not take a day off. Additionally, 24% of managers think that employees who take sick days are lying or exaggerating their illness, and 20% of them actually encourage their sick employees to come to work. This kind of behavior can be damaging to employees' health and well-being, and can also negatively impact productivity.

Resume Builder conducted a survey of 1,000 managers to gather their thoughts on sick time and sick shaming in the workplace. The results showed that 27% of managers believe that having a culture where sick employees are expected to work is good for productivity. Shockingly, 11% of managers admitted to participating in sick shaming themselves.

Experts warn that sick shaming can have serious consequences for a company's ability to attract and retain talent, as well as overall productivity. According to Julia Toothacre, Resume Builder's Resume and Career Strategist, "Having a culture where workers are asked to work or just expected to work when sick is bad for companies because it enforces the view that companies only see you as a number versus a human being." She also noted that this kind of culture lacks empathy and shows a lack of care for employees' well-being and productivity.

If you're not familiar with sick shaming, it's when a co-worker tells you to stay away from the workplace because of your cold, flu, or germs. This can be conveyed in subtle ways, like offering hand sanitizer, or more directly, like a co-worker yelling "go home" after you've had a coughing fit.

In response to this concerning trend, 65% of managers believe that clearer sick leave policies are necessary in their workplace. It's important for companies to address this issue and create a supportive and healthy work environment for their employees.

In conclusion, sick shaming is a harmful practice that needs to be addressed in the workplace. It not only affects employees' health and well-being but also has a negative impact on productivity. Companies should prioritize creating a culture that promotes empathy and supports employees' health rather than shaming them for being sick.

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