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In recent years, remote work has become the norm for countless individuals globally. The pandemic has prompted a reevaluation of many aspects of life, especially our approach to work. Rolling out of bed, attending virtual meetings in loungewear, and being able to transition from work to home in mere seconds has highlighted the need to rethink our time off. As employees, it’s crucial for us to prioritize our own needs and well-being. We must normalize the idea of taking sick and vacation days without guilt.
Throughout my career, I’ve found it challenging to take a sick day, often feeling compelled to stay connected to work even when my body and mind needed a break. Despite this, I have always encouraged my team to take the time they need for themselves, whether it’s a vacation or a sick day, and to refrain from checking work emails while they’re away. I recognized that stepping back was essential for their productivity and overall happiness. I wanted my team to value their personal lives just as much as their professional commitments.
However, the pressure I placed on myself meant that I seldom took time off. The pandemic has been a wake-up call, reminding me to prioritize self-care just as I would my work responsibilities — with myself at the top of the list.
The pandemic has also underscored the significance of mental health days. Although many of us don’t have designated “mental health days” outlined in our employee handbooks, we do have sick, personal, and vacation days available. Our mental well-being is just as crucial as our physical health; both aspects are interconnected. If we’re physically unwell, our mental state can suffer, and vice versa. They are part of the same equation.
In 2019, the Pew Research Center indicated that 157 million people comprised the American workforce. California became the second state to mandate paid sick leave in 2014, highlighting a critical area in need of reform. Many employees, particularly those facing financial hardships, feel forced to work even when ill, as taking a day off would mean losing pay. The Department of Labor currently does not require federal paid sick leave, and I hope employers learn from this pandemic that access to paid sick days should not be a battle for employees. But that’s a discussion for another time.
So, why do we struggle to utilize our time off? Is it the ingrained pressure to keep our bosses updated? Or do we feel the need to justify our absence by revealing personal details? Why should any of this matter? Honesty is important, but remember that time off is a benefit built into every job. If we fail to use it, we’re missing out on what we’re entitled to.
If you’re sick, take a sick day. Just as we would keep our children home if they were unwell, we should not shortchange ourselves.
For now, let’s make it a norm to utilize our time off. If your workplace makes you feel guilty for taking a sick day or nudges you to check in on work projects, it’s crucial to assert your boundaries. It’s your responsibility to communicate to your employer or HR that a sick day means you’re completely off the clock, focusing on your health, mentally or physically. Yes, stepping into this conversation may feel daunting, but if you don’t advocate for yourself, who will?
Is this the work culture we wish to maintain — one where we allow our entitled days off to go unused? It’s essential for us to claim our sick and vacation days for their intended purpose. Always remember to prioritize yourself; your employer will take care of their interests, so you should do the same.
For further reading on the topic of home insemination, you can check out this insightful article from another blog post. Additionally, for more information, visit Make a Mom, an authority on this subject. If you’re interested in fertility resources, consider listening to this excellent podcast from the Cleveland Clinic.
Summary
It’s essential to normalize taking advantage of sick and vacation days without guilt. The pandemic has highlighted the need to prioritize our mental and physical health, and we must advocate for our right to take time off. By doing so, we foster a healthier work culture that recognizes the value of self-care.