Going to work while sick is more common than you might think. A recent Monster survey of 2,945 respondents found that one in three French employees (35%) pushes through even when too unwell to work effectively. Half (50%) take a day off only when symptoms are severe, 9% rest at the first sign of illness, and 6% prefer working from home—though many roles don't allow this option.
Common drivers include guilt, feeling indispensable to the team, fear of backlash, or employer pressure. While the dedication is commendable, Karl Rigal, Editorial Manager at Monster, strongly advises against it: "If you're not in top form, you risk underperforming and dragging down your team. Better to step away until you're recovered than to show up unproductive and potentially infect colleagues. Sick leave isn't a luxury or sign of weakness—it's a vital right to restore your full capabilities." Keep this in mind next time illness hits.
