The presenteeism problem: Staff feel guilty taking sick days

UK workforces are creating a presenteeism epidemic, with millions of sick workers feeling pressured to work during time taken off to recuperate.

The new study from ColdZyme found that pressure from bosses combined with the weight of work waiting for them upon returning to the office is forcing four in 10 workers to take calls and respond to emails during a sick day away from the office.

On average, employees who stay at home due to illness end up receiving or making three phone calls and dealing with nine emails from their sick bed.

It appears that workplace perceptions around illness are causing employees to work despite being ill, with 22% saying that calling in sick is frowned upon in their workplace, with over a quarter admitting to feeling guilty for having time off.