Americans are working approximately 84 hours a year while sick, a striking testament to the pressure of maintaining productivity even at the expense of health according to a survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Nectar Allergy. [Source]
This translates to roughly 10 and a half days each year where employees, constituting nearly half (47%) of the 2,000 Americans surveyed, opt to “power through” rather than recuperate at home.
This translates to roughly 10 and a half days each year where employees, constituting nearly half (47%) of the 2,000 Americans surveyed, opt to “power through” rather than recuperate at home.
The inclination to continue working, despite health concerns, stems partly from a fear of being perceived as “dramatic” for taking necessary sick leave, a sentiment shared by 34% of respondents.
According to the study, individuals missed out on 17 social engagements annually due to health issues. [Source]
The dilemma of attending work while sick is further complicated for the 49% of respondents who grapple with yearlong or seasonal airborne allergies.
Kenneth Chahine, Ph.D., CEO and co-founder of Nectar Allergy, explained the isolation and challenges faced by those with allergies, noting, “It’s disheartening to see how much pressure people feel to work while unwell… People don’t realize how isolating airborne allergies can be.”
Financial implications are also a significant concern, with individuals spending an average of $207.30 annually on allergy treatments, a stark contrast to the $126.20 spent by those without allergies on common colds.
This financial burden is accompanied by a notable impact on daily routines, with 65% of allergy sufferers adjusting their mornings to accommodate for medication and symptom relief.
A parallel study by OnePoll for Robitussin sheds light on a broader issue: nearly 80% of American workers feel compelled to continue working through sickness. [Source]
This sense of obligation is not without its contradictions, as 82% of respondents would be annoyed by a coughing coworker, and 41% would prefer a temporary increase in workload over having an ill colleague in the office.
The reluctance to take sick leave is exacerbated by workplace culture, with 42% of workers feeling stressed about calling out sick and a third fearing their bosses would not view having a bad cough as a legitimate reason for absence.
These findings underline a pervasive issue in American work culture, where the pressure to maintain productivity often comes at the expense of personal health and well-being.
As Shyam Joshi, M.D., chief scientific officer at Nectar Allergy, advises, “Whether you’re frequently sick with colds or are engaged in a battle with airborne allergies, it’s important to rest and give yourself the time you need to feel your best,” he remarked.