A recent analysis by University of Michigan researchers revealed that about 75% of over 4,100 participants across 10 illness studies admitted to concealing illness during interpersonal interactions. The studies incorporated responses from online crowdsourced workers, healthcare staff, and university students. Surprisingly, 61% of healthcare workers were found to conceal their illnesses, misusing mandatory symptom screening apps or planning to conceal them in the future.
Contrary to expectations, institutional policies like the absence of paid time off did not drive concealment decisions. Instead, individuals cited achievement-oriented and socially-oriented motives, such as completing work projects or attending events, as primary factors.
The prevalence of working through illness was common pre-pandemic and continues, with studies indicating that up to 90% of the workforce came to work with cold or flu symptoms. Paradoxically, the rise in remote work due to COVID-19 led to fewer sick days being taken, rather than reinforcing their importance.
Moreover, there seems to be a stigma associated with using sick time. Resume Builder uncovered instances where managers encouraged sick employees to come to the office and even engaged in “sick shaming.” Suspicion regarding genuine illness among employees who took sick days further contributes to reluctance to use such time.
The University of Michigan researchers focused on perceived individual benefits of concealment, highlighting the trade-off where concealers prioritize their social goals over risks to others, potentially impacting public health.
To foster a healthier workplace culture, HR professionals should encourage leaders to model desired behaviour. C-suite executives, managers, and other leaders can set an example by clearly communicating the need to take time off when ill, signalling to colleagues that it’s acceptable to prioritize health over work when necessary.