Many Finnish employees are continuing to work while ill due to concerns regarding job security during an economic downturn, according to a report by Uutissuomalainen.
Annina Ropponen, a research professor at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, stated that the fear of losing one’s job often overshadows the need for recovery. According to Ropponen, this trend is evident across all types of sick leave, including longer absences prescribed by medical professionals. She noted that individuals often delay taking time off because they fear being replaced during their absence.
Ropponen emphasized that working while ill can prolong the duration of an illness and that the primary purpose of sick leave is to restore an employee’s ability to work. She further stressed that workplaces must foster an environment where it is clearly understood that employees have the right to take sick leave, even if they have the option to work remotely.
Article source: www.iltalehti.fi | Image credit: www.iltalehti.fi