By Prasad Ray
What was meant to be a humble showboating about efficiency turned into a lesson in workplace wellness. A Hyderabad-based techie recently took to LinkedIn to share his so-called ldquosmart sick day hackrdquo mdash logging off early at the first sign of illness to avoid using a full day of leave. But instead of applause his post drew heavy criticism for glorifying a work-first mentality and downplaying the importance of staying home when unwell. The internet was quick to remind him productivity shouldnrsquot come at the cost of public health.
The Viral Post That Sparked It All
ldquoSaved 5 hours just by acting smartrdquo the techie wrote adding ldquoThe day I felt something off like a fever was on the way I didnrsquot wait for it to hit hard. I wrapped up an hour early and went home. That night? Full-blown fever.rdquo
Claiming that the early break gave him a head start on recovery he added ldquoNext morning I was back at work just 2 hours later instead of wasting an entire sick day.rdquo He signed off with a philosophical note ldquoTime is precious. Your health is too.rdquo
Internet Says lsquoStay Home!rsquo
The post was soon reshared on Reddit where users were anything but impressed.
ldquoDude is still contagious and should have stayed home. Agree?rdquo one comment read.
Another user admitted to doing the same but emphasized they work remotely posing no health risk to co-workers.
Others were more critical ldquoFever generally means lsquoinfectiousrsquo. Stay homerdquo one said. Another warned ldquoYoursquore still shedding the virus after the fever breaks! FFS this is how pandemics happen!rdquo
The Bottom Line?
While the intention might have been to showcase discipline the takeaway for many was clear in a post-pandemic world coming to work sick even a little isnrsquot smart itrsquos selfish.