Memphis Business Daily

What do you do when sick coworkers keep coming to work?

I have two coworkers that are sick and keep coming to work. They are coughing, sneezing and sniffling all over the office. Any suggestions on how to ask them to stay home with their germs?

Public Comments

1. A lot of people don't realize that it comes off a little inconsiderate to come into work and spread their germs. But at the same time it is not mandatory to stay home when under the weather and people NEED the money and some may not have sick days left or don't get paid days off. Just do yourself a favor and stock up on plenty of anti-bacterial soap and purell at work and keep your distance. Other than that if you aren't their boss you have to stay out of it.
2. The request needs to come from above. If you are an equal level employee with them, speak to the person above you. If you are the person who is responsible for handling the situation, then politely say to them: "There are several people who are concerned about catching your illness. I am going to have to ask you to stay home until you are either no longer coughing, sneezing, and sniffling, or until you bring a note from your doctor indicating that you are not contagious."
3. you can leave a kindly worded, anonymous note on your supervisor's desk gently suggesting that perhaps Mr. Raspy and Mrs. McSneezes could use a few days off to recover...
4. What if they can't afford to stay home from work? many people can't. maybe you can give them the money that they would be missing. I got a td for that? The typical person can't afford to be home sick even for a day. I know that many people in my family can't do that. In my dads line of work people are lucky to still have a job and if they have a job they work few hours. My dad has been stuck in a truck with two sick people one of which later went to the hospital. He wasn't upset at all he actually understands why they were both still there. If you are so worried buy: lysol clorox hand sanitizer maybe by yourself a face mask and give her a box of tissues.
5. Best thing is if you can convince your company to hire replacement staff and get paid days off for ill workers. People are in a tough spot sometimes and no one wins in the work place. It's not any different anywhere even with all the luxuries of paid days off because when you get off work you will find people are sick and shopping for groceries, taking the bus, walking the streets, etc... The way of this world unfortunately, not perfect or even close to perfect.