Story at-a-glance
- Flu season increases presenteeism—working while sick lowers productivity and spreads illness.
- 80% of physicians work while ill, risking their own recovery and their patients’ health.
- Presenteeism in healthcare can cause harm, linking sick clinicians to outbreaks like flu and whooping cough.
- Resting helps you recover faster, protecting both your performance and your coworkers.
- Doctor Disability helps protect your income long-term—so you’re covered if illness leads to extended time off.
Flu season is almost upon us. It’s the holiday season on a happier note, but also known as the time of Kleenex and chicken noodle soup. Beginning to rise in December, bouts of influenza will rise throughout the winter and peak in February. Doctor Disability can help you in the long term if you experience a disability. But how can we take off work when we have so much to do? And how well do you take care of yourself?
The issue is called presenteeism, defined in a study by the University of California San Francisco as “the problem or workers being on the job, but, because of illness or other medical conditions, not fully functioning.” This is a problem not only for decreased productivity, but infected or ill workers can transmit those diseases around the office.
The same effect occurs in the medical field. Eighty percent of physicians continue to work and care for their patients, even when sick. In fact, the detrimental effects may be compounded. According to the New York Times, reports published over the past decade have linked patient illnesses such as the flu, whooping cough, and resistant bacterial infections to sick health care workers.
Resisting the pressure to go to work even when sick can be particularly difficult for healthcare professionals who take the responsibility of caring for their patients very seriously. This pressure is especially compounded if you work in a small practice or are the only clinician available. You want to make sure your patients are being taken care of and you don’t want to add to the burden of your colleagues. But some are arguing that it does more harm than good.
We can’t perform as well when we’re sick. And taking a day off to re-cooperate can ensure that you come back ready to work to your full potential. And, it means your colleagues and patients reduce their chances of getting sick.
What are your thoughts? We’d love to hear your opinion.
Doctor Disability specializes in provident occupation disability insurance to physicians and dentists. Whether you are an anesthesiologist, radiologist, ER physician, or surgeon, you will find relevant information on how you can protect your career and your livelihood. For more information on physician disability insurance, please contact us today to speak to one of our disability insurance professionals.
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