this is actually so common in 'business' (not saying what you do isn't business, but I can specify a little by saying a business office setting)that it has it's very own word. Presenteeism.
Originally termed by economists to explain on the job productivity loss due to chronic ailments like arthritis, the definition of presenteeism has been expanded to the followign definition:
“Presenteeism is a new term used by human resource professionals to describe circumstances in which employees come to work even though they are ill, posing potential problems of contagion and lower productivity”
(source: CCH Incorporated (2003). “Unscheduled Employee Absenteeism Hits Lowest Point in CCH Survey History.” Human Resources Management and Trends, Special Issue 569 (October), 155-164.)
This is a problem that HR professionals work to combat for a variety of reasons. First of all, as you said, many people see going into work sick as working harder or showing dedication. However, again, as you said, wind up working less efficiently and sharing their germs with their co-workers, and possibly clients. AND - of course- you're not getting better either. Overall, presenteeism costs companies more in time and money than is saved by the sick person going on (most especially when they are contagious).
This self assessment tool was created by Health Canada to help companies come up with how much money is actually being lost. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/occup-travail/work-travail/_cost-cout/index-eng.php
no subject
Originally termed by economists to explain on the job productivity loss due to chronic ailments like arthritis, the definition of presenteeism has been expanded to the followign definition:
“Presenteeism is a new term used by human resource professionals to describe circumstances in which employees come to work even though they are ill, posing potential problems of contagion and lower productivity”
(source: CCH Incorporated (2003). “Unscheduled Employee Absenteeism Hits Lowest Point in CCH Survey History.” Human Resources Management and Trends, Special Issue 569 (October), 155-164.)
This is a problem that HR professionals work to combat for a variety of reasons. First of all, as you said, many people see going into work sick as working harder or showing dedication. However, again, as you said, wind up working less efficiently and sharing their germs with their co-workers, and possibly clients. AND - of course- you're not getting better either. Overall, presenteeism costs companies more in time and money than is saved by the sick person going on (most especially when they are contagious).
This self assessment tool was created by Health Canada to help companies come up with how much money is actually being lost.
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/occup-travail/work-travail/_cost-cout/index-eng.php