7 Common Reasons People Call in Sick

We're all human and sometimes it's easier to call into work than to deal with being sick in the office. But sometimes, the reasons for calling into work aren't so straightforward. If you're curious about the top reasons people call into work are, read on.

Migraines

Migraines are terrible headaches that can really interfere with your ability to work. Worst of all, many people's migraines are aggravated by light or sound, both of which are common in most offices. For those suffering from a migraine that is sensitive to light, even looking at a computer screen can be incredibly painful. With so many workforce triggers, it's no surprise that migraines are a top reason people miss work.

Facial pain

Facial pain in the sinuses or jaw can also have a debilitating effect on your ability to work. You may need an orofacial pain diagnosis in order to get to the root of the problem. Sometimes the way that you sit at your desk can make these symptoms even worse. After you get a diagnosis, it may be worth looking into different ways to improve your posture at work.

Fever

One of the most common illnesses on this list, sometimes fever is the only symptom you face. While a lower grade fever may not preclude you from working, the risk of infecting others while you're contagious is a good reason to stay home. If you have a fever and are staying home from work, make sure to drink lots of fluids and get plenty of bed rest.

Stomach Bugs

Whether it's causing vomiting or diarrhea, a stomach bug is no fun to deal with. With multiple trips to the bathroom and the risk of infecting others, it's no wonder that this is one of the major reasons people stay home from work. Sometimes a stomach bug is the result of food poisoning or eating something that didn't agree with you. Other times, a stomach bug may be caused by the flu. Whatever the reason, it's best to see a doctor and take the day off when you have any of these symptoms.

Lying

While we don't like to think about it, there is always the chance that an employee calling in sick is lying. Sometimes this is because they don't want to use a day off and have more sick days than vacation time. Other times, they might need a break for a different reason but may not be willing to explain their situation.

Stress

Too much stress may be a reason that someone avoids coming to work or even lies about a different illness to miss work. Managing stress is an important part of everyday life, and if work is piling up it can be difficult to see any other way out. If you're thinking about missing work because of stress, consider speaking with a supervisor or therapist about how you're feeling. Doing so may be able to give you an outside perspective about your situation that helps you break through your stress and feel better about your situation.

Mental Health Issues

Mental health issues are related to stress but different as they generally involve a diagnosis from a doctor or psychiatrist. Depression and anxiety both can make working difficult if they aren't properly treated. This is why having a good health insurance provider that covers therapy sessions can be integral to you staying on task and going to work. A therapist can help you identify patterns and other issues in the workplace that may be affecting your mental health and can develop strategies to face these problems.

For people who hate missing work, having the right health insurance and finding preventative care can play a big role in reducing your need for time off. Compare health insurance with iSelect if you want to find the best health insurance in your area.