How anxiety and workplace culture shape decisions about taking a sick day.
The debate over taking medical leave (MC) has taken on renewed intensity recently. The Ministry of Health (MOH) issued a circular raising concerns about the “excessive issuance” of MCs, suggesting that some workers may be abusing their medical leave privileges. The implication? Workers taking unwarranted MCs disrupt workplace productivity and even strain systems such as healthcare and, curiously, the judiciary.
Efforts to reshape sick leave policies aren’t new. During the pandemic, there were signs of progress, with companies showing trust by allowing rest days without requiring medical certification. However, the current narrative seems to have pivoted back to suspicion, fostering an environment where employees feel scrutinized for their health-related absences.
For many workers, this dynamic creates a complex web of considerations before taking an MC. Far from casually “chao geng” (malingering), these decisions often involve a mix of professional, social, and personal anxieties.
Here’s the unspoken checklist workers go through before deciding to call in sick:
Deadlines:
How close are my deadlines?
Will my work pile up while I’m away?
Team Dynamics:
Has anyone else taken an MC today?
Can my team handle the workload without me?
Will colleagues be upset about picking up the slack?
Health vs. Perception:
Would they be angrier if I came to work sick and infected them?
Will my boss believe I’m genuinely unwell, or will I get “the look” tomorrow?
Should I send proof, like a photo of my symptoms?
Practicalities:
Do I really need a doctor to check on me?
Is the clinic queue worth it?
Should I just work from home instead?
Future Implications:
Will this affect my performance review or bonus?
How has my boss reacted to MCs in the past?
Do I still have enough sick leave days left?
Self-Doubt:
Am I sick enough to deserve an MC?
Will this even feel like a break if I spend the day feeling guilty?
Ultimately, taking an MC isn’t just a matter of health—it’s a balancing act of navigating workplace expectations, preserving personal credibility, and grappling with self-imposed guilt.
For employers, understanding these hidden anxieties is crucial. A culture of trust and open communication can go a long way in ensuring that workers feel supported rather than judged when they genuinely need to prioritize their health. After all, a healthy workforce is a productive workforce.
