Several questions arise while being sick. What medicine to take to recover faster, what boss will say about that, how long does sickness last? The most suitable question that arises in my case is: How long should I stay at home listening to mom’s complains, where could I have caught a cold. But I came across to a very interesting research results made in Britain. Millions of British employees are being forced into the office despite suffering from flu and cold.

The research is made by Olbas Powerflu who claims that it is a powerful and effective two tablet treatment for the symptoms of colds and flu. But except good features and fast reaction of the remedy, the research gave us an opportunity to discover the sick employee’s behavior and attitude in the process sickness, during a working period. Bad consequences of cold and flu symptoms are sharpened by Self Importance Complex (SIC) and “FACE – Fear of Another Colleague or Employer.”

Research shows:

Top Self Importance Complex (SIC) careers:

1. Healthcare (Professional, Scientific and Technical) = 100%
2. Construction = 100%
3. Education, Training and Library = 66.67%
4. Management Consultancy = 50%
5. Accountancy = 40%
6. Engineering, Manufacturing, Utilities = 38.78%
7. Media Creative = 36%
8. Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry = 33.33%
9. Banking, Insurance and Finance = 30.95%
10. Travel, Leisure and Tourism = 28.57%

Top Fear of Another Colleague or Employer (FACE) careers:

1. Computers, Software, IT specialists = 100%
2. Graduate Trainees = 100%
3. Promotions = 100%
4. Recruitment = 100%
5. Research & Development = 100%
6. Retail = 100%
7. Legal = 95.16%
8. Property Development = 92.31%
9. Secretarial, PAs and Administrators = 92.06%
10. Telecommunications = 87.5%

As Olbas Powerflu spokeswoman, Hilary Lynn, says “Our research indicates how much pressure SICies put themselves under to return to work when unwell. That’s not surprising when more than one in ten of those respondents also admitted to thinking that having a bad cold or flu isn't a good enough reason for calling in sick. As a nation of workaholics we need to recognize that heavy colds and flu can be very debilitating. Fortunately there are very simple steps employers and employees can take to reduce symptoms, and get you back to the office and feeling fighting fit in no time.”

The most important in covering this issue is that one should take into consideration the level of productivity of the employee while being sick, and the possible threat to other members of the staff.

According to the research there are some ways to motivate employees to get well soon.
“Firstly, recognize the illness, don’t just shrug it off. A caring approach will undoubtedly stop staff from feeling additional pressure which could mean a longer recovery period. Encourage employees to visit their local pharmacist. A pharmacist can quickly recommend the right treatment based on a discussion to ascertain their particular needs.“

Anyway, I think that each organization, with or without Olbas Powerflu, should take care of employees as everything is built on mutual benefit.

Happy recovery!