A new study from the University of Western Australia reveals that women are less likely to go to work when they are ill, due to a heightened awareness of their own health and the well-being of those around them.
The research examined how organizational practices, such as social distancing and personal hygiene, contribute to reducing the presence of sick employees in the workplace, with findings showing that these practices have a greater impact on women than on men.
The study indicates that women tend to be more sensitive to the health of themselves and others, which leads them to refrain from going to work when they are sick. This behavior is especially beneficial during outbreaks of contagious diseases, as it helps prevent the spread of illness to coworkers and others.
Public health experts believe that this approach, where women prioritize both their individual health and collective well-being, can be considered a useful model. By considering the health of both themselves and others, women play an indirect but vital role in preventing the spread of illnesses in workplace environments.
This behavior is not only effective from a health perspective but also helps reduce stress and concerns about infectious diseases in the workplace. While many men may be more inclined to continue working even when sick, women’s heightened focus on health highlights the importance of addressing both physical and mental well-being in work environments.