ALT-1 Call in Sick Dos and Donts
There are many reasons for calling in sick for work, some more genuine than others. What you don't want is to work when you are ill, you are doing no-one any favours. Equally you don't want to gain a reputation for calling in sick for reasons that aren't valid. Try to stick to a few simple rules when considering calling in sick.
DO try to give as much notice as possible, especially if a replacement needs to be found. You can not predict when you are going to be ill. However, at the first signs, you need to assess whether you are fit for work and make a decision as soon as possible.
DO phone yourself unless you are too ill. If someone else phones for you, it is almost as if you are trying to avoid speaking to the boss. At my work place, it is a requirement that we phone ourselves, except in exceptional circumstances.
DO give a reason and try to give an indication of how long you will be off. If you give a reason it will be seen as more genuine. Also you can say whether you think you will need more than one day off. This gives your employer the opportunity to allocate your work to others.
DO get a sick note. That way you can show that it is genuine. It will also cover you for sick pay. Get one straight away if off for a few days. Don't wait for work to ask for one when it is required.
DO keep them informed, especially if you are going to be off for longer than initially thought. It is then much easier to reorganize the workforce temporarily.
DO inform the boss if you develop a physical ailment that may result in sick time. It is better to be honest. They may also offer support or an alternative position if your job aggravates the injury or ailment.
DON'T call in after a night out. It will be obvious to all why you are off sick, especially if you have been talking about it. You can also almost guarantee that you will see a work colleague when you are out.
DON'T send a work colleague in to tell the boss. This is a bit like phoning in yourself. It is common courtesy to ring them yourself.
DON'T make up an illness to have a day off. This is never a good idea. You will probably get caught and you will feel guilty. Guilt will spoil the day so it really isn't worth it.
DON'T go out when you are off sick. Even if you are ill, try not to go out. You may need to go out for provisions but try not to. You need to contain your germs not spread them around.
DON`T go in the next day with a sun tan. Another obvious give away. If you are too ill to go to work, you are too ill to sunbathe.
DON'T go back to work until you are better. This is particularly important in the case of stomach upsets which can go round the work place like wild fire. It is best to stay off for 48 hours after a sickness bug.
DON'T call in sick if your children are ill. It is better to be honest and tell the boss the reason you can't come in. Employers can be very understanding. You don't want to pretend that you have what the children are off ill with. It would be just your luck if you did develop the same illness later on and needed to stay off.
DON'T take lots of odd days off sick if at all possible. It does not look good on the record if days off are taken frequently. It can also be an indication of going back too quickly an not allowing yourself enough time to recover.
Basically, calling in sick should not be an ordeal for either the employee or the employer. As long as the employee is conscientious in their work and does not take unnecessary sick leave it should not be a problem. The employee must consider others when calling in sick (or not) if ill. They must be thoughtful and think of any consequences. The sick leave must be genuine and reported correctly. The employee should be aware of the protocol and follow it correctly.
