Do you feel guilty when calling in sick at work? This might be why...
Summary
Many people in the UK go to work even when they feel sick, a behavior known as presenteeism. Younger workers tend to take fewer sick days mainly because of job insecurity and better health, but they also value mental wellbeing more than older generations. Workplace culture and how employers treat sickness can strongly affect whether people feel comfortable taking time off.Key Facts
- About one-third to one-half of UK workers go to work despite being sick.
- Workers aged 16 to 24 took an average of 2.4 sick days last year, while those aged 50 to 64 took 6.2 days.
- Younger workers often face less job security, like zero-hours contracts.
- Younger workers are generally healthier and less affected by long-term health issues.
- Mental health is more accepted as a valid reason to take sick leave among younger workers.
- People who see work as central to their identity are less likely to take sick days.
- Jobs in caring professions (e.g., nursing, teaching) show higher rates of presenteeism.
- Workplace culture, including pressure to prioritize productivity over health, influences workers’ willingness to take sick leave.
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