Paid-time-off (PTO) policies work great when trying to control absences for sick or vacationing workers. But they tend to fall short when it comes to keeping sick workers from spreading illnesses among co-workers.
There have been dozens of news stories recently (like this one that just appeared on the front of the Chicago Tribune’s Business Section) about how companies and their workforces should prepare for a rash of flu absences this season.
The advice for employees is mostly common sense – cover your mouth when you sneeze, stay home until you are symptom-free, etc.
But the reality is, messages like “stay home when you’re sick” can’t be successful if company policies don’t support them.
Example: Many companies have moved from separate sick, holiday and vacation banks to PTO banks. They are a great way to promote flexibility, but they also may encourage employees to come into the office when they’re sick.
Think about it: Would you rather work with a minor cough or lose a day from your summer vacation at the beach? Most employees will choose the former.
Or perhaps recent furloughs have drained people’s PTO. If so, chances are slim they’d take a day off if it means taking a pay cut.
