As working life returns to normality after the summer break a survey from Vista Health, has suggested that nearly half of British workers have carried on working while feeling sick this summer, powering through illness for an average of more than one whole working week.
The survey polled 2,000 people and found nearly half (49%) of workers continued the grind for an average of six days despite not feeling well. Summer health problems have been widespread, with nearly half (45%) experiencing trouble sleeping. A third struggled with stress or anxiety (32%), while 31% suffered extreme tiredness or fatigue and a quarter (25%) experienced low mood.
The data found almost three in 10 (28%) carried on working because they had too much work to do, while 19 per cent did not want to lose pay. Others believed they could power through their illness (18%), had nobody available to cover them (17%) or feared their workload would pile up (16%).
“While summer is often associated with rest and relaxation, for many people it brings a very different reality,” comments Dr Reem Hasan, NHS GP and Chief Medical Officer at Vista Health. “What concerns me most about our findings is not simply that people are feeling tired or unwell, but that so many appear to be normalising working through illness and putting their health on hold because life feels too busy.”
The research also found three in 10 Brits (29%) admitted putting off a health appointment, test or check during the summer. Among those who delayed an appointment, the average length of time it had been postponed was six weeks.
Gen Z (43%) were nearly three times as likely as Baby Boomers (14%) to have put off an appointment, test or check, while four in 10 Millennials (39 per cent) had also postponed one.
Work was the leading obstacle (35%), with people saying they had been too busy with their job, while others could not get a convenient appointment (15%), did not believe the problem was serious enough (15%), had nobody available to cover them (14%) or had their normal routine disrupted (14%).
The survey comes as a reminder that presenteeism can often be a much of a problem as absenteeism, with workers being less productive at work and storing up problems for themselves and their employers in the future.
“Healthy workplaces should make it possible for people to take appropriate time to recover, attend healthcare appointments and use their annual leave without feeling that they are letting colleagues down,” notes Dr Hasan. “Supporting health and wellbeing is not separate from organisational performance; the two are closely connected.”
Looking ahead to autumn, Dr Hasan recommends five steps to avoid heading into autumn feeling tired and run down:
1. Know what’s normal for you
You are the expert on your own body. If you notice a new, persistent, or worsening symptom, do not ignore it or hope it will disappear once life becomes less hectic. Earlier diagnosis often leads to better outcomes.
2. Don’t put off health appointments or screening
If you have been invited for screening or already have an appointment booked, prioritise it. Screening programmes save lives by identifying disease before symptoms develop.
3. Protect your mental wellbeing as much as your physical health
It can be tempting to work through illness, cancel annual leave or put your own wellbeing last to keep everything going, but this often comes at a cost.
Looking after your mental wellbeing is just as important as looking after your physical health.
If you are struggling, speak to someone you trust or seek support from a healthcare professional. Looking after yourself helps you remain healthy, resilient and able to support those around you.
4. Focus on small and steady positive changes
Summer often breaks people’s regular routines, with when people eat and sleep fluctuating as everyone strives to make the most of the good weather.
This means it can be difficult to build healthy habits back into your day-to-day routine once life settles again.
You do not need to change everything overnight. Small, realistic changes that fit into everyday life are much more likely to become lasting habits than striving for perfection.
5. Look after yourself and look out for each other
Check in with family members, friends, neighbours and colleagues, particularly if you know they have been under pressure or are living with long-term health conditions.
Sometimes a simple conversation or encouraging someone to seek help can make a significant difference.
