Fighting a battle with acute bronchitis since before New Years gave me time to think about employers and sick leave.
I’ve hardly been in the office both because I’m useless sick and because I’m contagious.
Being self employed, my job isn’t on the line. My income, perhaps, but not my job. If I don’t lawyer, there’s nothing to bill clients for. But if I had the typical 5 annual sick days, I would have shot my wad before February.
There’s no federal law requiring that employers provide sick leave. California requires that employees get 5 sick days a year.
We’re told the common cold lasts 7-10 days. and most adults get 2 to 3 colds a year.
And while flu rages everywhere around me, I think about the conflict for the employee who gets mixed messages: don’t come to work if you’re sick but we won’t pay you if you stay home.
Which message is more persuasive?