When You’re Sick, Should You Still Go to Work? The Etiquette Is Changing

A recent survey commissioned by Zipfizz explored how Americans handle cold and flu season—and how much workplace expectations have shifted since the pandemic.
The results? Nearly 1 in 3 people (31%) say going to work while sick shouldn’t be considered a badge of honor. Yet around 1 in 4 still believe that showing up sick could impress their boss or supervisor.
Some other key findings:

• 20% of respondents said they had gone to a work or social event while feeling ill in the past year.
  
• 86% said they’re concerned for their own health when a visibly sick coworker comes in.
  
• Only 22% of employed respondents feel pressure from their employer to work while unwell.
  
• Top reasons for going in sick included “I had already committed” (28%) and “I couldn’t afford to miss work” (27%).
  
• 42% said showing up sick could damage a relationship, and 64% called it “selfish.”
  
• 57% agreed expectations have changed since COVID-19, and 70% say they’re more cautious about hygiene now.
  

A spokesperson for Zipfizz summarized the shift this way:
“As we continue to adapt to new expectations around health, people are becoming more mindful of how their actions affect others.”
We’ve seen this play out firsthand. When one of our team members recently returned from an overseas trip and came down with COVID, she requested and was encouraged to work remotely so she could rest and recover and we didn't risk anyone else’s health.

I have to say, having this option is lovely and it one unexpected outcome of the pandemic. Through all of the crazy, we were left with the gift of flexibility: the ability to work from home, on vacation, or even from your grandma’s house. The workplace is evolving, and so is the conversation about what professionalism really looks like when you’re not feeling your best.
Now we’d love to hear from you:
Do you think it’s still admirable to “power through” when you’re sick—or is staying home the new standard of respect and responsibility?
Share your thoughts in the comments. 👇