Upset at boss

jazzyjustlaw

I have had a cold and cough for about two weeks. I didnt take time off as I felt okay to go into work. I went camping at the weekend as I started to feel better and it had been arranged for ages it was good except for the second night was a bit cold. Sunday morning I feel so ill I have to stay in bed and then had to take today off and on seeing the Doctor was given anti-biotics.

I had a call from a work member on behalf of our boss asking if I was going in to work tomorrow. I feel really poorly but I feel pessured into going in tomorrow now. What do you think?

skylight

On anti-biotics means you have a catching infection, not a viral bug.

Phone your boss tomorrow (before you have a hot drink, cos your voice will be croaky!!!!) and tell him that he knows you would normally come in under any circumstances (stress the any part), but you know he wouldn't want you spreading your infection on to other people - its to busy a time to have an infection running through the company.

If you really feel that poorly tell him. I know whats its like to feel presurised into going to work.

Put your feet up. But I promise you, Trisha and This Morning will bore you!

Bogof_Babe

I wouldn't assume he was "checking up on you". Probably he just needed a guide so he could think about how your workload was to be dealt with during your period of absence.

I've been an employee but never a manager, and even so I know what it is like for colleagues of an absent person to have to muddle along covering. At least you can put contingency plans into action if it is likely to be prolonged.

Get well soon, btw!

Savvy_Sue

don't go in tomorrow unless you feel a lot better. As far as I'm concerned, there is nothing worse at this time of year than people giving me all their bugs! I'd rather do their work ...

Counting_Pennies_2

The best way to ensure you and the manager both get what you need is by being up front and giving him an idea as to roughly how long you will be off work and how ill you are feeling. Get a doctors note if it will help, although I don't think they are worth the paper they are written on!

I have been both employee and manager, and the best way forward is communication all the way. As long as you aren't taking them for a ride (which it doesn't sound you are) and are keeping them informed ahead of time you have done your part. If your manager is reasonable he'll accept it (even if there is a sigh or two because of the pressure it creates for him, but that is what he is paid to deal with)

jazzyjustlaw

Im one of those who likes to think they can go in tomorrow whatever is the matter. They know I go in ill sometimes but I just don't think its acceptable ringing someone at home when they are off sick.

jezza1O1

charlotte664 wrote:

On anti-biotics means you have a catching infection, not a viral bug.

Well actually anti-biotics are prescribed for cold sufferers as the weakened immune system can lead to secondary bacterial infections. Ear and throat infections are common due to the constant nose blowing pushing nasal bacteria into these interconnected areas.

The viral cold will indeed be infectious, however it is unlikely the secondary infections will be as they will be the result of common bacteria that is normally controlled by the body.

Soz to be a pedant but its suprising how missinformed many are on the subject of pathogens. No excuse for those connected to the internet, just tap common cold into www.wikipedia.org!!

Get well soon - take the day off, your body needs rest! Eat well and take paracetamol to ease symptoms. Sorted !

Lillibet_2

jazzyjustlaw wrote:

Im one of those who likes to think they can go in tomorrow whatever is the matter. They know I go in ill sometimes but I just don't think its acceptable ringing someone at home when they are off sick.

Ring and let them know when you think you might be back then take your phone off the hook : I do this & I tell my boss I'm doing it as my company habitually ring when you are off sick for updates on how you are doing, advice on outstanding work etc & I swear it slows down recovery if all you want to do is go to sleep!