Hi guys. Today’s post is going to be short and sweet because I’m sick as a dog! I’ve been under the weather for over a week now and it totally suuuuucks. The roller coaster winter weather changes and blasted germs in the air knocked me out cold. Anyway, all this wallowing in my misery and dreaming of getting back to normal again got me thinking about the cost of being sick on businesses and productivity.
Here are some interesting statistics I found from the Bureau of Labor Statistics on the changes in the hourly cost of paid sick leave benefits, along with vacations and holidays for private sector employers in 1992 versus 2012. The changes in paid sick leave aren’t super dramatic, but you can see the costs per hour for large businesses is more than double that of small companies.
With increasing costs, it’s no wonder that the sick leave benefits for employees have shrunk over time, but at least paid vacation benefits have risen. In my own career, my benefits have followed these trends as well.
We all know that employers are passing more and more of health insurance costs to us. But at least there are new laws and initiatives like Healthcare.gov to help protect employees and try to make health insurance more affordable.
All I know is when you’re sick, nothing matters except the desire of being back to normal again. Right now my body feels like a lifeless blob of melting jello that aches all over. I have to rest about every ten words I type, even the smallest things feel exhausting.
But fortunately I have faith that this awful sickness is only temporary. And it reminds me to be thankful for things we often take advantage of when we’re healthy and running around at 100 miles an hour. When you’re running on empty like me, the simple things can mean so much.
Thank goodness for:
Dayquil
Sudafed
Paid sick leave
Being able to work remotely
Free delivery
Urgent care
Health insurance
Antibiotics
Heating pads
Reusable ice packs
Having loved ones take care of you
Microwaves
Naps
Sleeping through the night
Being able to breathe through your nose
Watching TV to distract your brain from the pain
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Updated for 2017 and beyond.
Being sick does suck, but it also gives us a chance to slow down from the grind and find valuable websites like untemplater.com!
I can’t get sick too often without a doctor’s note or I’m put on “probation” at school, so I am thankful for free care here in Canada and the ability to go to the doctor and get a note for each illness for free.
We have paid time off so vacations and sick days all come from one pot. I better recheck my numbers to see if I come in line with the averages. We have a sick bank for extended leaves. Sadly I can’t tap it for common colds. I was sick a few weeks ago. Not fun. Liquids and sleep are key. Hope you’re all better now!
Sorry to hear you are sick. I hope you get over it in time for the Holidays. It is no fun being around other people when you are sick.Our vacation and sick leave policies have not changed in decades. We get the same number of sick ours per year and they can be accrued forever. Vacation hours are based on seniority. A new hire starts with 80 hours per year. I have been with the company for 28 years and get more than 6 weeks off. All-in-all, I like my job.
No bueno. Sorry to hear about the sick day. I’m lucky to have a really understanding boss. I’ve got sick days and vacation, but he really doesn’t keep track.
Hope you recover quickly.
Dang, clicked submit too soon! Get well soon Sydney!
Top of my list would be the ability to work from home! Especially during winters!
Sick leave falling from 17 to 10 for a 20 year service person is surprising. But actually… more surprising someone used to get 17 days! That’s a lot of sick time!
Short-term disability is probably what’s making up for it. Not sure though.
Being sick is horrible. I wish you a speedy recovery! I got a bug myself. Weight loss time!
Sorry to hear, I hope you get well soon! I have quite a good diet those days and I think that really helps stay strong when there is a virus going around. Apart from one food poisoning I don’t remember being sick this year.