Almost a third (31%) of employees have gone into their place of work with an infectious illness, according to research by office supply chain Staples.
Its survey of 3,000 UK office-based workers also revealed that 61% of respondents cite a heavy workload as the main reason for attending work when sick.
The study also found:
- More than a quarter (28%) go into the office when ill because they are unable to work remotely.
- 21% of respondents believe they work in an unhealthy office.
- 72% of respondents eat at their desk, which can expose them to harmful bacteria. Some 74% of female respondents regularly do this, compared to 64% of male respondents.
Monica Mauri, vice president, head of HR at Staples Europe, said: “What we’re seeing is a worrying number of workers who feel the need to come into the office when sick.
”Employers need to make employees aware of the importance of staying home when ill, especially when it’s infectious.”