A survey on "summer absenteeism" shows 39 percent of full-time employees have called in sick just to enjoy a day off. They call it a "mental health day." They use the day to go shopping, go to the lake, or lounge around the house.
Mondays and Fridays seem to be the day most popular. As managers who have 1,000's work for us, we can attest to the truths found here. It's happening and in many workplaces, its rampant.
At wikihow.com, writers have even compiled a guide of how to do this. They suggest:
Sick leaves costs American businesses --- big time. The University of Pennsylvania says that sick days cost U.S. employers $74 billion a year. The average worker takes about 5.2 sick days a year.
So, how should Christians approach sick time? How about the "mental health day?"
Have you ever 'faked' a sick day -- or do you see it as just another benefit? Comment here.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_c.png?x-id=ebca02a4-a252-4f74-88a9-3d67404606f8)
Mondays and Fridays seem to be the day most popular. As managers who have 1,000's work for us, we can attest to the truths found here. It's happening and in many workplaces, its rampant.
At wikihow.com, writers have even compiled a guide of how to do this. They suggest:
- Find a quiet place to make the phone call.
- Call your boss.
- Keep the excuse short and to the point and credible.
- Cough a few times if necessary, or speak in a raspy voice for added effect.
- However, speaking somewhat slowly will probably work better!
- Get off the phone as quickly as possible.
Sick leaves costs American businesses --- big time. The University of Pennsylvania says that sick days cost U.S. employers $74 billion a year. The average worker takes about 5.2 sick days a year.
So, how should Christians approach sick time? How about the "mental health day?"
Have you ever 'faked' a sick day -- or do you see it as just another benefit? Comment here.
6 comments so far - add yours here:
I had a boss once upon a time that allowed, nay encouraged the occasional mental health day and I recall being sent home for at least one (I must have been fun to be around, in retrospect).
As a former manager, and as a colleague, I see the extra burden when the work of an absent employee has to be redistributed, whether the absence is legitimate or not.
Aside from the obvious dishonesty of faking sick, I think it disrespects and treats poorly our coworkers who show up like they're supposed to. I'd have to say it's not okay for a believer to call in sick when they are not.
As Christians, this should be very simple.
Jesus said to let our yes mean "yes" and our no mean "no."
Be honest.
Therefore, lying is off-limits, even for a day off. In Lyla's example, there's a difference in that the supervisor is encouraging such days.
However, for me to call up and say that "it's coming out both ends" so that I can go sit at the beach involved lying.
Who's the father of lies? Not Jesus, to be sure.
I still shake my head at the guy at work who called in sick two or three Saturdays last year so he could attend ministry events at his church.
Most companies I have worked for have had personal days to be used for the purpose of "mental health days".
I believe that everyone needs a mental health day and should be honest if using a sick day for this purpose.
If you need these days as an employee, you should look for a company that has personal days as an added benefit or ask upfront if sick days can be used in this manner.
You should never lie about taking a sick day because it will come back to haunt you. If you are a manager, this will only let those who work for you believe this is okay. You have to consider whether or not you would tolerate this from someone who works for you?
As a Christian of course I know that calling in sick when you aren't, is lying: is wrong.
I had quite the opposite experience. I worked for a company (supposedly "Christian") for 17 years. In all those years I only missed 8 days of work! I was in the hospital for 1 week with pneumonia and I called in sick 1 other day because.... I really was sick. In all that time, my dedication and loyalty was never acknowledged in any way. It really bothered me because I saw others calling in sick when they weren't. But I think it bothered me more because it wasn’t recognized that I was different.
I walked into work one Friday a couple years ago and was told, "Sorry, we just don't need you anymore."
I can't begin to explain the anger and pain that caused and I can't say that I have completely worked through it all. But, I am certain of one thing. My company didn't know (or care) that I held myself to a higher standard, but my Lord knows. And when I see Him face to face some day, I expect Him to say, "Well done, Janet." And that gives me the comfort I need to get on with my life.
So, I couldn't agree more with the point being made here, but I am compelled to point out that many companies fall far short of appreciating those who have set themselves apart—those who seek to make their Father proud. They fail miserably in fact.
A few years back, I called in sick but wasn't. Well, a few weeks after that, I got sick, for real and it totally took the wind out of my sails. I have not called in sick again! Unless, of course I am really sick! Yes, I believe everyone needs a day away from work. But isn't that what personal days and weekends are for? Especially here in Michigan, jobs right now are extremely scarce. And I am lucky to have one so I would not do anything to jeopardize it.
Post a Comment