Sick Leave
Laaksonen et al (2008) studied City of Helsinki employees over a period of 3-5 years to examine differences in illness-related absenteeism. For medical leave over 60 days, there was no gender difference, but women were 46% more likely to take "self-certified" sick leave and 34% more likely to take medically certified sick leave. Laaksonen told ABC News (2008) "we saw no differences in the reactions to illness among men and women". In other words, women weren't just more likely to go to the doctor, they were more likely to need to.
The difference in men's and women's attendance at work is a topic we've covered before. In "Menstruation and Absenteeism" (Dec 2006) we looked at suggestions that the menstrual cycle may account for a major portion of this. "Workplace Depression" (Oct 2007) indicated that women were more likely to take days off from work for depression symptoms. In "Paid Vacation" (Dec 2007) we noted that men and women use the same number of paid vacation days per year - but that women are more likely to use them to take care of a sick family member.
I missed work yesterday, due to a stomach bug. I was unhappy about it. My partner (a cisgendered man) is constantly on my case to take my time off. My employer has a very generous sick and vacation leave policy -- with the result that I feel guilty using it all. Still, I've gotten a warning from HR that if I don't use some vacation time by June, I'm going to start losing it. I've almost banked the limit.
The difference in men's and women's attendance at work is a topic we've covered before. In "Menstruation and Absenteeism" (Dec 2006) we looked at suggestions that the menstrual cycle may account for a major portion of this. "Workplace Depression" (Oct 2007) indicated that women were more likely to take days off from work for depression symptoms. In "Paid Vacation" (Dec 2007) we noted that men and women use the same number of paid vacation days per year - but that women are more likely to use them to take care of a sick family member.
I missed work yesterday, due to a stomach bug. I was unhappy about it. My partner (a cisgendered man) is constantly on my case to take my time off. My employer has a very generous sick and vacation leave policy -- with the result that I feel guilty using it all. Still, I've gotten a warning from HR that if I don't use some vacation time by June, I'm going to start losing it. I've almost banked the limit.