"DEAR ANNIE: I genuinely like my job and most of the people I work with. We are a small office, so we see a lot of each other, share the same kitchen and bump into one another all day long. Normally that is fine, but lately one co-worker has turned cold and flu season into his own personal hobby. I will call him "Carl.""
"He is also very social when he is sick. He loves stopping by desks to chat. He leans in to show you something on his phone. He offers to help by borrowing your stapler or hovering over your computer screen. Then he coughs into his hand and touches the office door handle, the coffee pot and the communal pen like he is trying to make sure his germs have a full social life, too."
"A few of us have tried gentle hints. We have asked if he is feeling OK. We have mentioned that we can work from home. We have said, politely, that we would really rather not catch whatever he has. Carl just laughs and says he never takes sick days and that he is "toughing it out." He talks about it like it is an achievement, which makes it even harder to respond without sounding like a scold."
Small-office interactions increase transmission risk when a consistently ill coworker attends work while symptomatic. The coworker minimizes symptoms, mingles closely, borrows shared items, and coughs into hands then touches communal surfaces, elevating exposure for colleagues including those with children, elderly relatives, and an immunocompromised team member. Colleagues have tried gentle hints and offers of remote work, but the coworker frames presenteeism as virtuous and dismisses concerns. Recommended responses include a private, respectful conversation expressing concern for others, citing specific behaviors and risks; involving management or HR if needed; reinforcing sick-leave and remote-work policies; and promoting hygiene practices and clear office norms.
Read at nj
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