Going to work feeling unwell

LPriceSensitive on 12/02/2017 - 09:02

Hello everyone,

I'm a checkout operator at a small supermarket and currently plagued by the nasal symptoms of a cold and hayfever, namely uncontrollable sneezing and runny noses. I occasionally call in sick for hygiene reasons because I do make contact with customers (unintentionally when returning change) and their foods (eg. unbagged fresh produce), yet at the same time I am still physically able to work. But in doing so, I'll be blowing my nose, sniffling every ten seconds, or even dripping like a tap. Another thing to note is that the store does feel understaffed, so they need as many people on board as possible.

I just wanted your opinions as to what's the right thing to do in this situation.

Poll Options expired

  • 6
    Go to work - don't be weak and they need your work to get through the day
  • 59
    Don't go to work - risk of contaminating and rest up to take extra shifts later
Health & Beauty

Comments

  • aoeueoa on 12/02/2017 - 09:18
    +5

    Work today, help everyone out today, and then tomorrow an extra person is sick from you. By Thursday maybe another 4-5.

    Actually I doubt you're that contagious but this is part of the reason you shouldn't work while sick.

    I would only work sick if it was somewhere critical like a donut shop. Donuts are so good. omg

    • AlienC on 12/02/2017 - 10:45

      Lol I so agree with that last line.. Also pork roll or pizza shop we peoples need dem pizzas and rolls yo

  • gevidian on 12/02/2017 - 09:35
    +3

    Temporarily change role. Stack shelves, etc?

  • ms_caz on 12/02/2017 - 11:03
    +1

    I guess that depends whether you are full time, permanent part time or casual.

    If you are PPT or FT you will be eligible for sick leave so that if you genuinely are sick you are entitled to take the day off and be paid for it. You will probably have to provide a medical certificate. Your employer should be able to schedule somebody to cover your role if you give them notice in advance. It is not your job to worry about whether they have adequate staffing levels.

    If you are casual IMO the situation changes somewhat. You do not have sick leave and so therefore calling in sick can create an issue in making sure that your position is covered. Ideally the employer will have a pool of casuals who can come at a moment's notice. However, you risk losing subsequent shifts, especially if you are unfortunate enough to be "sick" regularly. I do believe that if you are actually sick you should stay home and not spread your illness and misery around (same in my workplace - I am in a school) BUT I don't think that it is a simple yes/no answer if you are a casual. Too much is at stake.

  • Ughhh on 12/02/2017 - 11:26
    +1

    If it's hay fever, take some tablets/nasal sprays. Get that sht sorted before they find someone else more reliable to replace you. That's if you want to keep your job.

  • PriceSensitive on 12/02/2017 - 11:42
    +1

    Thanks for the replies btw everyone :)

  • PVA on 12/02/2017 - 11:55

    If you are sick, then you are sick. Take sick leave, get a doctors certificate to cover you if you want.

    Or maybe talk to your manager a explain and see if there is any back of shop work you can do.

  • Randxyz123 on 12/02/2017 - 12:14

    Simple… If you are sick stay at home.

    I remember walking out of a lecture a couple of years ago because the person behind me was sneezing and coughing. Not a lot of things annoyed me more at university.

    In high school I wanted to do that so many times. I'm not sure if it was because the parents couldn't take carers leave or they were so obsessed with their kid going to school and doing well that they wouldn't allow them to stay at home.

    Doesn't matter whether it is work or uni or school. Stay home, get better then you'll be able to work much more efficiently.

    Personally if I saw someone handling my food while sneezing and blowing their nose at a checkout I'd probably never return to that shop.

    If you are a casual and don't get any more shifts well it's probably a sign your manager is a arsehole and a good chance to find another place to work. If you are feeling like crap today and need to work tomorrow for example call your manager so they have a chance to source a replacement.

  • AdosHouse on 12/02/2017 - 13:36
    +2

    Best solution is to talk to your supervisor, or someone else in the management chain.

    Tell them what symptoms you have, tell them your concerns about your appearance in front of customers, and that you feel bad about it and want to work but don't wish to put the workplace out by calling in sick, or by giving the store a bad image. Ask your boss if there is something else you can do in store, like night fill or cleaning or something, or some other way you can help/accommodate them

    This lets your bosses know that you care about your job and care about the store. And maybe they will just say go home sick because they have no other jobs for you to do, but at least when the next roster comes around they will remember that you tried your best, and tried to help them as much as possible.

  • conan2000 on 12/02/2017 - 15:11

    And what happens when you get people sick who are elderly or pregnant, with young kids who all have weaker immune systems?

  • mbck on 12/02/2017 - 18:30

    Wear mask…most stores have alcohol wipes too.

    Maybe have a chat with the supervisor, so you both have a clear pov

  • MeesusEff on 13/02/2017 - 14:43
    +1

    When I get a cold , sometimes it lasts for 2-3 weeks (yes I have a great immune system :x) not sure if my boss would allow for that long though.. :(

  • cupcake on 14/02/2017 - 15:07
    +1

    I too suffer from hayfever but there is a lot you can do to feel better. I literally had a cold for a year.
    Take triple C vitamin C tablets. This helps a lot with a runny or blocked nose.
    Always carry tissues. Take multi vitamins to boost your immunity and kyolic garlic.

    I also have an air purifier at home so I don't wake up with swollen eyes in the morning.

    You'll feel better soon. Good luck.

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