Sick working is a common occurrence in Finland, with reasons including work pressure and workload. This practice can create a vicious cycle where individuals work while sick to manage their workload, leading to even greater pressure when they return from sick leave. In some jobs, tasks aren’t taken care of by others during an employee’s absence, adding to the pressure to work while sick.
Working while sick isn’t always a result of bad working conditions; meaningful work and a supportive work community can also contribute to employees choosing to work while ill. A good work community can encourage greater responsibility for one’s work and conscientiousness, reducing the need for sick leave. Additionally, a sense of duty and the need to fulfill responsibilities, especially in sectors with workforce shortages like social and health care, can also lead to employees working while sick.
Organizational psychologist Pekka Järvinen highlights that some individuals may have a need to maintain control over their work and fear negative consequences if they take sick leave. Slowly emerging symptoms, like those of work burnout or depression, can also contribute to employees working while exhausted, as they may not recognize the severity of their condition over time. Factors like perfectionism, fears about career progression, financial concerns, and the nature of the illness can also influence employees to persist at work despite being sick.
Strict absence control measures can also contribute to this phenomenon. For instance, making the first day of sick leave unpaid can create pressure on employees who are afraid of losing pay or falling behind on their responsibilities.
Overall, various factors can influence employees to persist at work despite being sick, creating challenges for both individuals and organizations alike. It is important for employers to understand these factors and create an environment that supports employees’ well-being and encourages them to take necessary time off when needed.