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 A weak economy has continued to
leave working people feeling the pressure of keeping the job they have.
Some have even accepted cuts in hours, pay, or benefits in order to keep
the job they currently hold. At a time when finding other employment
options has become harder, most employees do not want to do anything that
could put their job or income level in jeopardy, including missing days of
work.
At the same time, commitments in their personal life haven’t changed, or
in some cases have become more difficult. Some people provide care for
both elderly and young members of the family. In some cases a family, who
had depended on two incomes, may now be faced with getting by on much
less, due underemployment or unemployment. Additional hits on their
income, due to missed work, could be disastrous.
With flu season just a few months away there may be one more thing for
employees to consider: the financial consequences of missing work because
of the flu. The flu vaccine has long been promoted as an insurance policy
of sort for general health during flu season. Today, however, the flu
vaccine may be one more tool employees have for economic and employment
security.
Are there more empty seats at work?
In the article “Illness-related work absences during flu season” by the
Bureau of Labor Statistics includes 2 charts that demonstrate what has
historically happened to the work force during the winter flu season.
There are noticeably larger numbers of people missing work due to illness
during the months of December through March, exactly the time noted for
peak flu activity. |
Employers’ opinions on sickness and absences can vary.
At a time when appearing more valuable at work is important, missing days
at the office could be detrimental. The pressure to be at work can come
from more than one source. Financially, missing work could bring harsh
consequences. Jason H., working for a Pittsburgh based transportation
company, noted that his employer frowned on absenteeism, regardless of the
reason. Their view of calling off from work made Jason feel compelled to
come into work, even if he was sick, for fear his absence could make him a
target for job termination.
Employers without family friendly time off policies could use time taken
off for a sickness as a reason to terminate employment. In “at will”
states, such as Pennsylvania, an employer with a “no fault” attendance
policy could end someone’s employment for tardiness or absence, regardless
of the reason.
Do you have paid sick time?
In the United States paid time off for a health related issue is not
guaranteed, and sick time benefits, if granted, vary by employer, with
some workers not receiving benefits at all. Missing a week at work without
pay could be devastating for some families who are already living on the
edge of financial trouble.
The cost of flu treatment without health insurance coverage.
Health insurance benefits may have changed for some working people. Even
with a family friendly employer, without adequate health insurance
benefits, the costs of treating severe flu symptoms may be restrictive for
some families. One trip to an emergency room for urgently needed flu care
could place a family into a harsh financial situation. With most seasonal
flu vaccines costing less than $30.00, it can be a less costly alternative
to potentially expensive medical care.
The case for getting a flu vaccination.
The seasonal flu vaccine has been widely available and there are many
places to get the shot. Many hospitals offer the flu shot for free to high
risk groups of people. Chain pharmacies such as Rite Aid, CVS, and
Walgreens have been offering customers shopping incentives and discounts
in conjunction with their seasonal flu shots.
Consider your specific situation. Would missing work negatively impact
your financial situation or employment situation? Do you have adequate
healthcare coverage to afford flu care if you are sick? For some, the flu
vaccination may offer more than just protection against the flu. It could
offer protection against financial hardships or job loss.
For more information about the flu vaccine go to flu.gov.
Links
http://www.forbes.com/2009/11/19/paid-sick-leave-vacation-forbes-woman-leadership-workers-rights.html
http://www.gbls.org/employment/Earle_Facts.pdf
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=92762761
http://www.bls.gov/opub/ils/summary_10_06/illness_related_work_absences.htm
http://www.workingmother.com/BestCompanies/work-life-balance/2010/01/fight-for-paid-sick-days
Photos: Courtesy of
iStockphoto
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