As if we are not suffering enough with the
economy and risk of losing our jobs, employers are now whining that we may be
enjoying Christmas too much.
Recent research by Bupa says that companies blame
overindulgence during the festive season for staff absence above any other
cause of sick leave.
Many companies have introduced policies
specifically aimed at tackling December absenteeism, from introducing flu jabs
and gym membership to more hard-line policies like threatening to withhold pay
from those discovered pulling a sickie.
Dr Jenny Leeser of Bupa says, “The winter months
do see an increased rate of absence caused by seasonal illnesses, but the
effect of the festive party season on the workplace cannot be ignored either.
In any case, widespread absence causes increased workload and potentially
increased stress levels for employees in work. Overdoing things is not good for
anyone’s health.”
So enjoy yourself, but not too much.
Scrooge lives.
Private medical insurance news: 13 December 2011
