A British Chamber of Commerce study revealed, in spite of the credit crunch,  bosses prefer if employees take sick leave than drag themselves to work and infect others. iTALK finds out how desi firms deal with the "Sir, aaj mujhe bukhar hai" syndrome

The global economic crunch is taking a toll, with employees tripping on insecurity. At a time like this, you may think you are playing safe by going to work even when unwell, but a study reveals otherwise. Most bosses believe working through an illness will not add to work reputation.

Anita Shantaram, Director, Dr PN Singh Centre for HRD, says, "Don't push yourself, but if you can, come and work for a bit. People will see your sincerity. It is better if a senior tells you to go home because you look downbeat."

It helps if you inform your seniors so that arrangements can be made. If you have a deadline, or work pending, coming in even for an hour will help, before you hand over the task to someone else.

Skipping work because you are seriously ill or due to a bereavement in the family, is reasonable. "Women skipping work due to menstruation, is unacceptable. They must learn to cope with it." A cold, cough stomach ache are just as weak reasons. Pop a pill and get to office.

How firms can prevent sick leave abuse

>>Organise attendance awards where an employee is awarded for maximum days
on the job.
>>Keep a tab on attendance records of employees. Note whether employee absences exceed the attendance policy allotment, whether a person has obtained permission for all the leaves taken, has informed in advance and submitted a medical certification.
>>Find out if leave usage is higher in one department or under a particular supervisor.
>>Inquire if workplace practices or policies are affecting absences.
>>Learn to say no. When you hear a ridiculous request to misuse leave, say no.

Gajendrra Siingh, MD & Producer Sai Baba Telefilms, produces Voice of India

The guy who cannot fall sick
Some of our shows are daily, some weekly. It's impossible to take sick leave since there would be nothing to air. We can't shoot episodes in advance since many shows have a voting format. Besides, contestants get voted out every week, so, fresh episodes must be shot.

The last time I took a sick leave

Was a year ago
Candice Pinto, Model
It was in 2007 when I suffered from gastroentritis. During India Couture Week, I had a kidney infection. I was hospitalised but still went for my show that night, anyway.

Was 9 months ago
Vandana Sajnani, Theatre actor
In February, I went for root canal surgery, so, I cancelled the shoot because the producers adjusted my dates.

Was a year ago
Hiten Tejwani, TV actor
I last took a break in 2007, when I was down with viral fever. My producers were co-operative since they knew I wouldn't take an off unless necessary.

India Inc Speaks

David Naidu, Senior Manager-HR, Le Royal Meridien Hotel

Day-to-day operations suffer
>>Our organisation grants 7 days of sick leave in a year. We are strict on the issue of leaves. If an employee is sick, he needs to call to inform.
>>We prefer if they inform us in advance so that someone else can be allocated the task at hand.
>>If they are absent for more than 3 days, they need to attach a medical certificate.
>>If they have consumed their sick leaves, they can be granted leave without pay.

Ritu Verma, Director-HR, Renaissance Mumbai Hotel

We cannot take a chance with the health of our guests
>>We grant 7 days of sick leave in a year. Employees are told to stay at home if unwell, since our staff handles food and beverage and we don't want to take chances with our guests' health.
>>We track leave record of employees. They have to produce medical records and bills for verification.

She took an off 4 months ago
TV actor Juhi Parmar has worked through most of her illnesses due to tight shooting schedules. The last time she took an off, was 4 months ago. "I had very high fever; it was a relapse of a viral that I had worked through. My body gave up on me. Thankfully, the production house behind daily soap, Kumkum, managed with my close-up shots," she says.