Presenteeism | 3 in 5 UK employees don't call in sick despite being too ill to work

Almost three in five (59%) UK employees say they haven’t previously taken time off work sick, either due to illness or injury, despite needing to, according to new research from protection and employee benefits provider, MetLife UK. 

The research explored employee’s attitudes and behaviours towards the workplace, taking time off, and employee benefits. When asked why employees haven’t called in sick even when they’ve needed to, a third (36%) confirmed they didn’t think there was anyone to cover them, whilst over a quarter (28%) said they didn’t want to miss work, and 16% said they had a deadline to meet.

Many are also conscious of the impact not being at work will have on others - just over a quarter (27%) said their colleagues needed them.

Almost the same number (26%) admitted they were worried they wouldn’t be paid, whilst 17% said they believed their boss would tell them off if they took time off work.