Is this an easy answer for you? If so, what is the answer – should you push through and keep working or should you take a sick day? I would love for you to share before you read the rest of the article. For me, this has always been a dilemma and for 20+ years, I consistently chose one answer.
That answer has been No! If I am only “a little” sick, I should just work as I don’t want to be irresponsible nor leave others hanging. I would look like this picture on the left – feeling miserable but still working.
However, I don’t think that’s actually the right answer for my well-being as well as for others. I have just recently started saying yes for myself to this question and I highly recommend it to you as well. Below are five reasons why taking a day off might be the best choice even if you’re only “a little” sick.
1. Preventing the Spread – Don’t Go In Person to work
Protection for Colleagues: Even if you feel you can manage your tasks, it’s crucial to consider the well-being of your colleagues. Common colds and flu can spread rapidly in close quarters like an office. By staying home, you reduce the risk of passing on an illness, ensuring a healthier work environment for everyone.
Client Considerations: If your job involves interacting with clients or customers, it’s not just your colleagues who are at risk. Displaying sickness can also leave a negative impression, potentially jeopardizing business relationships.
2. Personal Health and Recovery
It may also not be worth it to push it by working remotely from home. 
Speedy Recovery: Rest is crucial when you’re unwell. Even if you’re only mildly sick, pushing yourself can exacerbate your symptoms and prolong your illness. By taking a day off, you might be back to your best faster than if you tried to work through it.
Avoiding Serious Health Issues: Sometimes, what feels like a minor ailment can escalate into something more serious. Pushing yourself can lead to complications. It’s better to listen to your body and take the necessary precautions. One of the most important asset you have in life is your health
3. Productivity and Performance
Diminished Capacity: Even with minor illnesses, your ability to think clearly and perform tasks efficiently can be compromised. This can result in mistakes that might not happen when you’re feeling your best. It’s often more productive in the long run to take a day to recuperate than to muddle through work at half-capacity.
Mental Well-being: It’s not just about physical health. Being present at work when you’re not feeling well can increase stress and negatively impact your mental health. Recognizing when you need a break is essential for maintaining good mental well-being.
4. Workplace Culture and Perceptions
Setting a Precedent: Taking a sick day when you’re unwell, even slightly, sets a precedent for others. It promotes a culture where employees prioritize health, leading to a more productive and harmonious workplace in the long run. This is especially important for you if you lead teams. If you set this example, then your team will feel more empowered to do the same when they are feeling “a little” sick.
Evolving Views on Sick Days: With the rise of remote work and increased emphasis on work-life balance, many companies are adopting more flexible sick day policies. It’s essential to be aware of your company’s stance and to use sick days when needed, without fear of judgment.
5. Alternative Solutions
If you cannot afford to take a full day off due to limited PTO, also consider the following alternatives.
Change How You Work That Day: If you feel you can work but don’t want to necessarily attend meetings, then you can propose to your manager another way to work just for that day that allows you to rest a bit and also get some things done. Face to face meeting in person or virtual often takes more energy than solo work. Often times we have plenty of work to do outside of meetings – thinking work like Excel analysis or Powerpoint Presentation. If you don’t feel well enough to do that, you can also use the time to take necessary trainings that are due soon.
Partial Work Days: If your company policy allows or your manager supports, you might also consider only working a half-day. This can give you the rest you need without entirely missing a workday or taking a whole sick day off.
Conclusion
Being “a little” sick might seem trivial, but the ripple effects can be significant. From the potential spread of illness to decreased productivity and mental well-being, there are valid reasons to consider taking a day off. Prioritize your health and the health of those around you. Remember, it’s not just about how you feel in the moment, but the broader implications for your workplace, your team, and your future well-being.
Your comments: What is your default answer to this question – If I am “a little” sick, should I take the day off from work? If the answer is no, perhaps try saying yes once to yourself and see how it turns out. I look forward to your comments
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Lei