Study suggests a sick day is better than WFH

An expert from RMIT University has suggested workers who fall sick should choose to rest and recuperate rather than trying to do their jobs remotely.

Cold and flu season is near, and those who feel unwell may find themselves torn between taking a sick day or choosing to push through while working from home (WFH).

A relatively uncommon practice a decade ago, WFH exploded in popularity – largely through necessity – during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to KPMG, the number of WFH employees in the Geelong region increased from 4,556 in 2011 and 5,719 in 2016 to 31,287 in 2021 – a 450 per cent rise.

This is supported by a report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report on the welfare and wellbeing of Australians in 2023.

Before the pandemic, 13 per cent of people aged 18 and over with a job reported working from home most days, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Household Impacts of COVID-19 Survey.

By April 2022, 46 per cent of people had worked from home at least once per week in the previous four weeks.

Although many tasks done in a workplace can be performed remotely at home, RMIT School of Management Associate Professor Dr Lena Wang said this was not always a good idea.

“Since COVID, managers and employees are now more conscious of the health risks when people come to work sick, so we are seeing people show up in person less when they are physically unwell.

“We are now seeing a new phenomenon which some scholars call ‘workahomeism’, where people stay at home but continue working when unwell.”

Studies suggest workahomeism is a new form of presenteeism – going to work while unwell – and may arise as a way for workers to avoid feelings of guilt.

Dr Lang said even though working from home while sick reduced the risks of spreading viruses to others, it could still bring negative consequences to employees and businesses.

“When unwell, employees’ productivity is not at the same level and recovery may be slowed if they continue to work, which can sometimes cause a prolonged illness, negatively impacting both their health and wellbeing, and their productivity overall.

“The decision does rest on employees themselves as to how they want to approach their work while being sick, however organisations and managers should look to create a culture that encourages employees to take care of their health, and make sure they don’t feel bad or guilty for taking leave when needed.”