Working From Home When Sick: Should You?

Working from home has made it tempting to "push through" when sick. But just because you can work doesn't mean you should. Here's how to make the right call.

When You Might Work From Home

• Very mild symptoms that don't affect concentration
• End of an illness when you're mostly recovered
• Conditions where rest isn't critical (mild allergies)
• When you genuinely feel up to it, not pressured

When You Should Take Proper Sick Leave

• Fever or feeling genuinely unwell
• Symptoms affecting your concentration
• Contagious illness (to avoid spreading via shared docs/calls)
• When you need medication that affects alertness
• Mental health days — these need proper rest too
• When your doctor recommends rest

The Problem With "Pushing Through"

• Recovery takes longer when you don't rest
• Work quality suffers when you're unwell
• You may make mistakes that create more work later
• It sets an unhealthy precedent for yourself and colleagues
• Burnout risk increases

Setting Boundaries

It's okay to take sick leave when working from home. You're entitled to it, and your health matters. Don't let the convenience of home become a reason to never properly rest.

Talking to Your Manager

If your workplace culture makes you feel guilty about sick leave, a simple message works: "I'm unwell and need to take today as sick leave to recover properly." You don't need to justify or over-explain.