Research suggests that between a third and a half of people in the UK continue working even when they are unwell, a behavior known as presenteeism. According to the Office for National Statistics, younger workers aged 16 to 24 took an average of 2.4 days off sick last year, compared to 6.2 days for those aged 50 to 64. Prof Sir Cary Cooper, a psychologist from the University of Manchester, notes that younger workers often hold jobs with less security, such as those with zero-hours contracts, and are less likely to suffer from chronic health issues that lead to prolonged sick leave. Additionally, younger generations tend to expect employers to value their wellbeing and view mental health as an essential part of their overall health. The concept of work centrality—how much an individual's identity is tied to their job—can influence how often they take sick leave. Occupational psychologists say that people with a strong sense of work centrality are more engaged, committed, and willing to go above and beyond, even when unwell. This is especially common in caring professions like healthcare and teaching, where workers may feel reluctant to take a day off unless there's a clear reason, such as an injury. Younger workers, in particular, may fear being seen as weak or lazy if they take time off, according to Dr. Audrey Tang, a psychologist who focuses on workplace wellbeing. Workplace culture plays a major role in whether employees feel comfortable taking time off sick. Dr. Tara Quinn-Cirillo explains that when teams are overworked and there’s no backup for absent staff, employees may feel pressured to stay at their desks. In companies that prioritize productivity over employee health, guilt and shame can reinforce a culture that rewards showing up even when unwell. In contrast, a healthy work environment encourages open discussions about wellbeing and allows for honest conversations about the need for sick days. Trust is key—when employees fear judgment, they may avoid taking legitimate time off, even when needed. Deciding whether to stay home when unwell can be complex. For physical illnesses, Dr. Tang suggests that if someone is vomiting or has a fever, they should stay home for 48 or 24 hours after symptoms subside, respectively. For milder conditions like coughs and colds, workplace norms have shifted since the pandemic, with many considering it acceptable to work from home. However, mental health should be treated with the same importance as physical health. Dr. Quinn-Cirillo emphasizes that the key factor is whether someone is capable of performing their job effectively, regardless of whether the issue is mental or physical. A red flag is when work begins to interfere with basic self-care, such as sleep, relaxation, and personal hygiene. If someone is unable to take care of themselves, it may be a sign that rest is exactly what they need.