Majority of employees work while sick, according to ComPsych survey

March 12, 2004—Some 77 percent of employees report going to work while sick, according to a recent Tell It Now poll by ComPsych Corporation, the provider of GuidanceResources (employee assistance programs, managed behavioral health, work-life and crisis intervention services).

When asked whether they worked while sick, employees responded:

33 percent—Yes, because my workload makes it too difficult to take off
26 percent—Yes, because it feels “risky” to take off in the current work environment
18 percent—Yes, because I save my sick days for when my kids need me
23 percent—No, I put my health first

“Despite one of the toughest flu seasons in recent memory, the vast majority of employees who got sick forced themselves to work this winter,” said Dr. Richard A. Chaifetz, chairman and CEO of ComPsych. “Unfortunately, the practice of working while sick—often perpetuated by corporate culture&#151:not only results in ‘presenteeism’ but in the spread of illness for an even greater reduction in productivity. Employers should encourage workers to take time off when sick, which actually will increase productivity in the long term.”

The survey was conducted from Jan. 26 to Feb. 27, 2004, receiving responses from employees of more than 700 ComPsych client companies nationwide.

For more information, contact ComPsych.