Almost a quarter of Britons (23%) have felt or would feel worried about their finances if they were too ill to go to work and had to call in sick, according to research from MetLife UK.
The survey of 1,428 UK workers, found women were more likely to be concerned about the impact of falling ill on their finances – more than a quarter (28%) of female respondents said they would be anxious about losing out financially if they were to take a sick day, compared to less than a fifth (18%) of men.
Women were also significantly more likely to worry about their colleagues in their absence.
More than two in five (41%) women said they had guilt for seemingly leaving their colleagues in the lurch over an unforeseen absence, while less than a quarter (23%) of men felt the same way.
The poll conducted by Opinium on behalf of the insurer, also found people fretting over additional stresses surrounding taking a sick day.
A fifth (21%) said they would be worried their boss or other colleagues would not believe they are actually poorly if they took a day off, and almost the same number (20%) said they worried about the amount of work they would have to return to.
However, one in six (17%) believed they would be supported by their colleagues, and the same number (17%) felt they could take the time they needed to recover fully.
Adrian Matthews, head of employee benefits at MetLife, (pictured) noted employees should always feel that they can take time off sick when they’re not feeling their best.
“However, it is a delicate balance. Mental health issues have come to the forefront since the start of the pandemic and often these aren’t always visible,” he said.
“While the individual may prefer to be at home, being in the office can be more beneficial to them. Often, with a supportive employer and line manager, they can be more closely observed and supported from the office.
“Burn out too is a gradual impact, so it’s important employers have an open and trusting culture to allow staff time off when it is needed to minimise a longer-term pattern and challenge occurring.”