Going to work sick - having people service you who are sick

[maplefemme]

Do you go to work if you are sick? Not just mildly but full on flu or a terrible cold?
Does your work encourage you/demand you stay home or expect you in no matter what?
Do you mind if someone is working on/for you in the service industry and they are clearly very sick?

I am not allowed to come to work as a nurse if I'm sick. However, I still work part time as a colorist and I'm expected in no matter how sick I am. I had a fever yesterday and called in sick to the salon, my employer was upset and said I better be well by Saturday as I'm fully booked.
I don't like working so intimately with people when I'm that sick. I'm working in such close proximity plus I'm touching them, I'm sure they aren't comfortable with it either, but my employer's mentality is such that unless you're on death's door, literally, you are able to work.
I'm going into nursing full time in the next few months so this will no longer be an issue but I'm curious to fellow PSer's thoughts and your own experiences.

 

[Lottie]

Re: Going to work sick - having people service you who are s

If my colourist was obviously unwell with the flu or something else that was contagious when I came for my appointment, I would be annoyed and I think your boss is being very shortsighted. People get colds all the time and working with a mild cold is one thing, but most people know when they should be at home in bed. I hope you feel better soon!

My friend came over for a playdate some time ago with her son who she had previously mentioned was a little 'under the weather'. When she got here he looked awful, cried the whole time and threw up on my carpet twice - thats more than a little under the weather! Needless to say we all went down with it a few days later. I did not appreciate that.

 

[marcy]

Re: Going to work sick - having people service you who are s

If someone is really sick and probably contagious I don't want them near me. I was actually asked to go home yesterday by my boss because I didn't look well. I was tired and had a bad sinus headache but I doubt I was contagious. I work with 5 other people in a small room so we do try to stay home when we are sick.

 

[movie zombie]

Re: Going to work sick - having people service you who are s

i do not appreciate being attended to by people who are obviously sick with the flu and/or colds. it is irresponsible of an employer to force employees to work in that situation....and shows a lack of concern for ongoing clients.

 

[zoebartlett]

Re: Going to work sick - having people service you who are s

Do you go to work if you are sick? Not just mildly but full on flu or a terrible cold?

I'd be lying if I said I never went to work when I'm sick. I get terrible sinus infections, never the flu, and they're not contagious. If I was contagious, I'd definitely stay home (although if I had just a cold, I'd probably go in). If we have strep, we're not allowed at work since that's highly contagious. I work in a very germy place and it seems like someone's always sick at times, especially in the winter. I make sure we all wash our hands thoroughly throughout the day.


Does your work encourage you/demand you stay home or expect you in no matter what?

If we have strep, we're not allowed at work. Kids who have had fevers aren't allowed back to school until the fever's been gone for 24 hours. I can't say we have really hard and fast rules about this, but we all just use common sense.



Do you mind if someone is working on/for you in the service industry and they are clearly very sick?

If I'm at a restaurant, then yes, it bothers me if they're clearly sick and they're serving me.

 

[sonnyjane]

Re: Going to work sick - having people service you who are s

Ugh, tough. My department only has two people, so if one of us calls in sick, we completely double the other person's already heavy workload for the day. I work in a place where we can't just skimp because we are short. We have certain tasks that must be done each day, so having to do it all alone really stinks. I've only called in sick once in the last three years because I don't like screwing over my partner that way. If it's just a cold or flu, I'll usually work through it, and give my co-worker a warning to avoid me.

 

[canuk-gal]

Re: Going to work sick - having people service you who are s

HI:

I had this very discussion with my DH last month; a colleague of his came to work--VERY unwell (pneumonia); and everyone who was in the room for the morning meeting, subsequently became sick. Everyone. I've been married for 26 years and have only seen him THAT sick twice; he was bedridden except to go to the Doctor x1 week, and near his bed for another.

DH told me is was the ususal "Tuesday" meeting and nothing was particulary important about it--so the girl who infected all could have stayed home--which is the principle point; STAY HOME! Rant over.

cheers--Sharon

 

[Enerchi]

Re: Going to work sick - having people service you who are s

That is a pet peeve of mine as well, because it is a double edged sword. I hate letting people down and don't want to be a wimp, so I will go to work if I'm mildly not well. I am rarely sick now (was sick all the time when my kids were little because they brought home all viruses and bacteria known to the human race!) and am insane about flu shots, rest when I'm 'iffy' and swipe down my desk at home and work with bacterial wipes, so I DON'T get anything!

As a consumer, if I am out and the person I'm in contact with is sniffing, dripping, coughing, etc., all around me, I shudder at what is about to befall me! I'm coming across as a bit of a Howie Mandel germaphobe... I'm not like that at all, but why put yourself and others at risk of illness when a simple day of rest to get yourself well, could make the world of difference to you and those around you?

... but then again... some employers threaten with repercussions if you do not come in regardless of circumstances, so it does put people in a rough situation.

 

[diamondringlover]

Re: Going to work sick - having people service you who are s

Ha, funny you should ask this question today...I went and got my hair done this morning and my stylist was sick my son is also sick so between the 2 of them I dont stand a chance Anyway I work from home now but when I was going into the office I was expected to be there sick or not...they didn't "encourage" you to come into work sick but if you called in too many times (like 3-4 times a year) then you would get written up and possibly fired...I went to work sicker then a dog more times then I can count...I cant afford to lose my job!

 

[Maria D]

Re: Going to work sick - having people service you who are s

As a teacher, taking a sick day means I still have to prepare lesson plans for a sub for the day and this can be more work than preparing them for myself. So unless I'm highly contagious with something other than the common cold, or I've thrown my back out so badly that standing is a problem, I go in. I just take Sudafed to block sniffling/sneezing and am sure to always block sneezes that do get out with my arm, not hands. Most of the students in my school do not come in when they are sick. It's high school so it's not like their parents would have to stay home with them or get sitters. My issue with some of these kids is they don't come in for the slightest ailment - even a headache - and miss a lot of school. Toughen up already!

When I worked in other places, I hated when people came to work coughing and sneezing! These were office jobs where people could get stuff done at home. If my colorist was going to work on me while sick with fever, I'd be very unhappy. I think your boss is being ridiculous. Maybe salons, like schools, need "subs!"

 

[Maisie]

Re: Going to work sick - having people service you who are s

I get really irritated when I find out someone has sent their child to school with a tummy bug. Not only is it miserable for the poor child but if James catches it he gets very unwell. He has ended up in hospital a few times because he vomits so much. If your child is sick keep them at home!

 

[tuffyluvr]

Re: Going to work sick - having people service you who are s

I work as a sales rep and most of my day is spend out in the field visiting customers, so coming to work sick means exposing at least 7-20 of my customers to my germs. If I have a cold/flu/fever--something contagious--I will stay home for the first day so I don't spread my germs. Upon my return I will warn my customers that I am ill and I won't shake hands with them. Staying home sick makes my life a lot more difficult, but I'm glad that my employers are understanding about us not wanting to spread our germs.

When I worked as a nanny, the mother of the family would literally get ANGRY with me if I called in sick. I understand that it was an inconvenience for her, but she didn't work, and I was like, "lady, I don't want to make your kids sick!!!"

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

Re: Going to work sick - having people service you who are s

I am a teacher, we are only allowed so many sick days per year and any taken are frowned upon. Unless I'm truly miserable I go to work, if I stay home I always go to the Drs and get a consultation and a note for work. I wish it didn't have to be this way but it is.

 

[Gothgrrl]

Re: Going to work sick - having people service you who are s

Unless your on the verge of death, they expect you there. They weren't very understanding/compassionate when you called in. My co worker got a phone call that her grandmother just passed. She was in the break room freaking out, wondering what she should do. The manager kept booking appointments for her. When 'S' announced that she needs to leave, the manager told her that she has clients coming in. I felt really bad for 'S'.

Another time one of the girls was really sick and she was trying to stay. As a shift manager I told her she really needs to go home. Not only was she contagious, running to the bathroom, but she's going to infect all of us. I think that was the first time anybody was sent home. Not only was my manager annoyed with her, but mad at me for doing that. I said I'll stay until closing to help out. Do you think she was okay with that? No...because now I have to get paid in overtime.

 

[HollyS]

Re: Going to work sick - having people service you who are s

It would annoy the heck out of me to have some colorist/stylist/massage therapist/nail tech/etc., with a horrible virus that's easily spread, breathing on me or touching me.

Shame on your salon for demanding that you come in. Most of those appointments would rather re-book than be germed upon, I'd be willing to bet.

 

[iheartscience]

Re: Going to work sick - having people service you who are s

Do you go to work if you are sick? Not just mildly but full on flu or a terrible cold?

No, if I'm truly sick I always stay home. I manage to stay pretty healthy, and have called in sick to work twice in about 8 months, both times due to a 24 hour stomach bug/food poisoning situation. I was sick with the same type of bug/food poisoning twice in a month! Guess I'm just lucky? I really couldn't have gone into work, that's how sick I was!

Does your work encourage you/demand you stay home or expect you in no matter what?

They're pretty neutral, and definitely don't give you a hard time if you're sick. I'm sure if an employee abused their sick leave it would be an issue, but no one does. That said, if I miss a day of work I end up behind, so I always go in unless I'm really ill. Playing hooky just isn't worth being behind!

Do you mind if someone is working on/for you in the service industry and they are clearly very sick?

Absolutely-I'd much rather have my appointment cancelled than get my hair done by someone who is contagious!

 

[Gothgrrl]

Re: Going to work sick - having people service you who are s

If I'm sick or contagious I don't go in. I know I wouldn't want someone working on me. If they get mad at me so be it.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Re: Going to work sick - having people service you who are s

I don't think ANYONE likes being around sick people with the chance of getting sick themselves. However, some employers are not as empathetic as others. For example, when I was a server back in the day, management highly discouraged (as in threatened our jobs) if we called in sick. I remember one time I had a sinus infection and was told unless I was going to fall over I needed to be at work. I rarely called in sick so I know it had nothing to do with me personally just their lack of compassion and understanding for their employees. I also think many people take advantage and would call in when hungover or tired but I always thought they should have had people "on call" because I agree, having a sick server is not appetizing.

School is not much more understanding. We are only allowed one absence before it impacts my grade.

 

[Dandi]

Re: Going to work sick - having people service you who are s

Nope, I'd never go to work sick and I would hope others would do the same. I work in an operating theatre suite, often with immunocompromised patients, and illness can spread like wildfire in a hospital. Last year one girl came to work with gastro ( ) and the next day, 12 of us were off sick. There were not enough nurses to cover the lists, but two surgeons got it too and had to cancel their lists, otherwise operating lists would have had to be postponed because of the lack of staff numbers. We all had to wait 48 hours after our last show of symptoms to return to work (we were all violently ill for about 12 hours), so the whole theatre was downstaffed the entire week. Now anyone with a hint of a cold is shipped off home immediately!

 

[Jennifer W]

Re: Going to work sick - having people service you who are s

Well, I work for the National Health Service, so turning up sick would be seriously frowned on. I don't go to work if I'm unwell and likely to pass it on to others. If I'm off for over a week, I need to produce a medical certificate, and after 6 months, I'd go onto half pay, but other than that, if I'm sick, I stay home and that is considered appropriate. Of course, there are always people who abuse that, but turning up dripping with colds and shedding viruses, or who take days off when they are not ill. Equally annoying!

 

[wildcat03]

Re: Going to work sick - having people service you who are s

I'm a resident physician and we are expected to be at work unless we are really too ill to be out of bed. The line is, "You should be AT the hospital or IN the hospital." We do have some backup coverage available, but you end up having to make up any days that you called in backup (we have NO sick days).

I have called in twice in the last 2.5 years. First with a GI bug so bad that it landed me in my own ER. Most recently with a bad cold that became an asthma exacerbation.

 

[PintoBean]

Re: Going to work sick - having people service you who are s

The impression I've gotten in an office environment is that unless you're "fall-down" sick, you should come especially if you are a recent hire (less than a year). It's awful since we're in an enclosed environment, there is no fresh air coming in, the only "air" comes from a dusty HVAC system.

My co-worker called in sick, and our boss made him come in. Poor guy was obviously flushed with a fever (unless he doused himself in rouge), and his eyes were all glassy. I asked him why in the world did he not call in, and he told me he tried. Soon after, it was a chain event of "wo/men down". I dubbed the poor guy "patient zero". I was, unfortunately, patient 2. And we all came in to work, a bit flushed, a bit achey, tired, and glassy eyed... Re-DONK-u-lous!

And none of us got much work done when we came in - we just felt too much like crap to do more than stare at our computer screens...

 

[anne_h]

Re: Going to work sick - having people service you who are s

I do go to work when I am sick with colds, even bad ones. I don't go if I have flu or stomach issues.

I go with colds because I only have so many sick days, and currently use most of them for my kids. So I don't want to take more time off unless I really need it.

Our corporate culture is not an issue. Employees can stay home sick when they need to.

As a manager, I much prefer when my sick employees *do* stay home. They all work in cubicles together and I don't want them passing germs around to each other.

I work in my own office and when I'm sick, I take extra care to wash my hands, avoid touching public items, and never share my pen, etc. My work is all on a computer; I don't work directly with the public at large. Just colleagues. On sick days, I try to stay in my office and avoid interacting with others. Not perfect, but it's what I've chosen to do for now.

Our daycare does not allow children to attend when they have a fever. So whenever one of the girls has one, we have to keep them home. I totally understand why, but of course it is a double-edged sword! lol

No, I do not like it when people who work with the public come to work sick. A regular cold I can live with; anything worse, and I don't like it.

Anne

 

[manderz]

Re: Going to work sick - having people service you who are s

Funny timing. I've just come down with a rather miserable cold, and have just started a new job a month ago. I'm use they'd let me call in sick if needed, but for the first 6 months, I don't get sick pay, and it really impacts other people at work. I'm the evening receptionist, and that means that someone has to completely rearrange their schedule to accommodate working for me. I don't want to do that, especially ring so new. I'll just make good friends with the can of lysol, and hand sanitizer.

 

[stephbolt]

Re: Going to work sick - having people service you who are s

I typically work from home if I'm sick, but I'm lucky enough to have a job I can do from home with no difference than if I was in the office. If I was sick enough that I wouldn't be able to do my work, I'd take an actual sick day. My company keeps that leave separate from vacation so most people have a ton of it built up.

I got so mad at a coworker who came to work sick this month. She had a terrible cold, but she said she didn't stay home because "it wouldn't do her any good." Well, it would have done me, her pregnant coworker who got her cold, some good if she had stayed home and kept her germs away from me! And she has the same type of job as me so she could just as easily work from home.

I definitely don't like seeing people in the service industry working sick, especially food service! If more people would be able to take time off when they are sick, all of us would probably get sick less often!

 

[maplefemme]

Re: Going to work sick - having people service you who are s

If my colourist was obviously unwell with the flu or something else that was contagious when I came for my appointment, I would be annoyed and I think your boss is being very shortsighted. People get colds all the time and working with a mild cold is one thing, but most people know when they should be at home in bed. I hope you feel better soon!

My friend came over for a playdate some time ago with her son who she had previously mentioned was a little 'under the weather'. When she got here he looked awful, cried the whole time and threw up on my carpet twice - thats more than a little under the weather! Needless to say we all went down with it a few days later. I did not appreciate that.

Oh no, that's awful, I think that's unfair, poor little guy... I think it's best to err on the side of caution when bringing kids who aren't well, over to play with other kids, just stay home.
Thank you feeling a bit better today I wore gloves the entire time I was with clients and made great efforts to only get as close as needed to get the work done, still felt bad though

 

[maplefemme]

Re: Going to work sick - having people service you who are s

Unless your on the verge of death, they expect you there. They weren't very understanding/compassionate when you called in. My co worker got a phone call that her grandmother just passed. She was in the break room freaking out, wondering what she should do. The manager kept booking appointments for her. When 'S' announced that she needs to leave, the manager told her that she has clients coming in. I felt really bad for 'S'.

Another time one of the girls was really sick and she was trying to stay. As a shift manager I told her she really needs to go home. Not only was she contagious, running to the bathroom, but she's going to infect all of us. I think that was the first time anybody was sent home. Not only was my manager annoyed with her, but mad at me for doing that. I said I'll stay until closing to help out. Do you think she was okay with that? No...because now I have to get paid in overtime.

I don't understand this style of management, they don't care about employee retention; just the bottom line. That works in a bad economy, staff stay because they have few options, but when it's flourishing the staff turnover is impacting. You can't keep the best and the brightest if you treat them like crap

 

[maplefemme]

Re: Going to work sick - having people service you who are s

I'm a resident physician and we are expected to be at work unless we are really too ill to be out of bed. The line is, "You should be AT the hospital or IN the hospital." We do have some backup coverage available, but you end up having to make up any days that you called in backup (we have NO sick days).

I have called in twice in the last 2.5 years. First with a GI bug so bad that it landed me in my own ER. Most recently with a bad cold that became an asthma exacerbation.

Such a double standard, when it's the complete opposite for nurses (at least here) if we show up with so much as a cold, anything that could be passed on, we are scolded for not calling in sick and giving them enough time to fill or shift with a replacement.

 

[shihtzulover]

Re: Going to work sick - having people service you who are s

With something like the flu, I don't think that it would even be possible for me to work - I would just be too sick to function. If I were a little sick, I'd probably try to go in, but I would use a ton of Lysol in order to try to not spread my germs around.

My boss is really strict about most things, but she is really worried about germs and sickness, so she encourages us to go home when we're sick. There's actually a lot going around at my current workplace right now - first it was the norovirus (and I'm not so sure that it's gone yet), and now at least one person has come down with the flu.

I definitely wouldn't want to go to my colorist when he/she had the flu or something similar - the risk just wouldn't be worth it to me.

 

[Clairitek]

Re: Going to work sick - having people service you who are s

I typically work from home if I'm sick, but I'm lucky enough to have a job I can do from home with no difference than if I was in the office. If I was sick enough that I wouldn't be able to do my work, I'd take an actual sick day. My company keeps that leave separate from vacation so most people have a ton of it built up.

I got so mad at a coworker who came to work sick this month. She had a terrible cold, but she said she didn't stay home because "it wouldn't do her any good." Well, it would have done me, her pregnant coworker who got her cold, some good if she had stayed home and kept her germs away from me! And she has the same type of job as me so she could just as easily work from home.

I definitely don't like seeing people in the service industry working sick, especially food service! If more people would be able to take time off when they are sick, all of us would probably get sick less often!

Situations like that really annoy me. There's a reason you're given sick time (and I realize this isn't something that everyone gets, but if you have it, USE IT)! It's not just for your own benefit, but also for the benefit of coworkers who could get sick as well. It's especially annoying when your job does allow you to work from home. Thankfully most people around where I work are good about staying home when they're contagious.

To answer the OPs questions, if I knew I was contagious, I would stay home, even if it wasn't terrible and I probably could be productive at work. And if my stylist/therapist/whatever was ill, I'd be totally understanding if they had to call in sick. I'd rather wait than be given their cold!