Soldiering on through sickness

Australian workers are a dedicated lot – a CareerOne.com.au survey shows 98% of respondents admitted to working while sick.

The survey also shows most who come to work sick do so to meet deadlines, 57% who are on sick leave check work email and work from home, and 90% say they caught a virus from someone at work.

CareerOne.com.au editor Kate Southam says the results indicate workers will do anything if job prospects are on the line.

“If workers perceive their employment prospects are uncertain, then sadly they are more likely to take on ever increasing work loads and come into work sick,” Southam says.

“Go to the boss before things get out of hand, and rather than complain, ask for advice on how work should be prioritised. It really is up to a manager to review deadlines with you and reassign some of the work if need be.”