FACE the fear and get out of your SIC bed

Millions of British employees are being forced into the office despite suffering from heavy colds and flu. Fear of the boss and, for many, feelings of self importance, seem to be at the root of the problem.

The research, undertaken by new cold and flu remedy Olbas Powerflu, shows that a staggering 79 per cent of the 5,000 workers surveyed live in fear of the consequences of calling in sick. They appear to suffer from a new condition called FACE ñ Fear of Another Colleague or Employer.

More than a quarter (29 per cent) worry their loyalty and commitment will be questioned while nearly half (45 per cent) are just afraid of what their boss will think. One in 20 (five per cent) fear that another colleague will step in to cover their work and do the job better than them.

Additionally, almost a fifth (21 per cent) admitted to having a self importance complex (SIC). SICies drag themselves from their SIC beds into work, despite being ill, as they are worried that no one else can do the job as well as they can.

Olbas Powerflu spokeswoman, Hilary Lynn, says ìOur research indicates how much pressure SICies put themselves under to return to work when unwell. Thatís not surprising when more than one in ten of those respondents also admitted to thinking that having a bad cold or flu isnít a good enough reason for calling in sick.

ìAs a nation of workaholics we need to recognise that heavy colds and flu can be very debilitating. Fortunately there are very simple steps employers and employees can take to reduce symptoms, and get you back to the office and feeling fighting fit in no time.î

Itís important for employers to note that a huge 86 per cent of people surveyed said cold and flu sufferers are actually less productive at work. ëBattling oní also tends to slow down the suffererís recovery, and brings with it the risk of them to passing on their illness to others.

The key is to enable and encourage people to get better as quickly as possible and there are several ways to empower staff to do this and get back to work with minimum negative impact. Firstly, recognise the illness, donít just shrug it off. A caring approach will undoubtedly stop staff from feeling additional pressure which could mean a longer recovery period.

Encourage employees to visit their local pharmacist. A pharmacist can quickly recommend the right treatment based on a discussion to ascertain their particular needs.

With Olbas Powerfluís integrated two-tablet approach (with a multi relief tablet and separate chewable vitamin C tablet), you can achieve relief from the effects of cold and flu symptoms, meaning you can get back to work, impress your boss, and stop those pesky colleagues from stealing your limelightî

The top troopers for SIC* are those who work in healthcare, construction, education and management consultancy; while workers who most suffer from FACE are likely to work in IT, recruitment or are graduate trainees.

The poll also found that despite many British workers continuing to work through heavy colds and flu, a cheeky 38 per cent of us have invented an illness, just to get some time off work.