Calling in sick not an option for many U.S. workers
Knock on wood, I didn’t take any sick days last year and currently have two weeks of sick leave built up.
But for a good chunk of U.S. workers, sick days aren’t an option:
An estimated 41.7 million workers can not take sick days — that’s nearly a third of the nation’s employees and a problem that raises health risks on everyone.
… Most employees with full-time jobs get paid sick days, while only a fraction of part-time workers get them, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The estimates don’t include the millions of workers who are self-employed, for whom staying home can often mean being out of business for the day.
I started my job at The Oklahoman at the end of February last year, which meant I didn’t have health insurance for the month of March. Of course, that was the month I developed a sinus infection.
I called a clinic in Oklahoma City and was told I needed to first set up an appointment to prove that I live in Oklahoma City. The first opening for an appointment was in two weeks. I was told I wouldn’t see a doctor then. No, instead, I would wait another two weeks for a doctor’s appointment. So, after four weeks with a sinus infection, I would be able to get a doctor’s appointment. Awesome. Very practical.
I went a month without health insurance, and I’m complaining. I can’t imagine what it’s like to not only lack health insurance but also not have any sick days.
We all know someone who takes sick days like they’re going out of style. On the flip side, I know several people who won’t take sick days unless they’re truly immobile.
Does your job allow you sick days? And what’s your “sick day” personal policy? How sick do you have to be before you’re ready to call in sick?
I look forward to your commentary.
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