“Take a Benylin day” off sick!
January 07 2009
Cough mixture manufacturer “Benylin” has been running a series of advertisements seemingly encouraging employees to “throw a sickie”. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is up in arms and has complained to the Advertising Standards Authority. Benylin defend themselves by citing research done by the Chambers of Commerce. It is all a bit of a storm in a medicine bottle to Malcolm Martin, who answers questions.
Should employees take “Benylin” days?
Yes, and no! For an employee it should depend on how ill you are and what the impact of that illness will be on the job you do and on the colleagues around you.
So employees should be at work when they are ill?
No, not when they are incapacitated for the work they do - but most of us have “off-days” - the main questions for minor illnesses are how it affects you in doing your job and whether others could catch your cold, for example. If in doubt, discuss it with your employer rather than making a unilateral decision.
What about the advert then, does it encourage people to take time off?
Well the advert does show someone in bed reading a book. Employers would be reasonable to ask, if she can read a book why can’t she use a laptop? There may be many answers, perhaps there is more to her work than using a computer, but the picture of this person reading gives the wrong impression.
So the FSB is justified in complaining?
I’d like to see the decision of the Advertising Standards Authority first, but most people, even employers, get a bout of illness from time to time. The FSB seems to focus on the small minority whose attendance needs to be better managed by their employer. If the employer does not know how to do this, they should take advice.
What would your advice be?
Insist that your employees telephone in person, or ask to speak to them. Don’t accept messages by third parties or text messages other than in exceptional circumstances. Have a carefully conducted return to work interview with every employee when they do return to work. Respect responsible employees for being responsible; focus the attention of others onto their responsibility. This almost always, works.
And if it doesn’t work?
You should follow a procedure taking the employee through steps that might lead to dismissal - but take it stepwise and carefully - there may be serious matters that you need to take into account.
