A recent survey by SD Worx reveals that 59% of Finns think that employees exhibiting mild cold symptoms or other ailments should refrain from going to work. This perspective is more pronounced among leadership, with 84% of managers opposing the idea of sick individuals coming to the workplace. The survey suggests a growing recognition in Finland of the importance of health, particularly as cases of flu and other illnesses circulate widely in the early part of the year.

Moreover, attitudes extend beyond the workplace to public settings such as gyms, where 72% of respondents disapprove of individuals visiting while feeling unwell. This reflects a shift in societal standards regarding health and wellness, emphasizing the responsibility of individuals to prioritize their own health as well as that of their colleagues and the public. This cultural shift can be viewed as a proactive approach to public health, reducing the spread of illness during peak seasons.

The findings of the survey may prompt organizations across Finland to adapt their health policies, encouraging employees to take necessary time off when ill. This could lead to improved worker morale and productivity in the long term, as workers may feel more valued and less pressured to compromise their health for work obligations. Overall, the survey sends a clear message that staying home when sick is now widely endorsed and expected.