According to a new survey done by Harris Interactive and released by Kronos Inc, a stunning 71 percent of workers in China admit to calling in sick when they weren’t. Conversely, only 16% of all French workers admit to playing hooky.
That either means that Chinese people are trying harder to get out of work than the French, or that they are more honest about trying to get out of work.
Of the eight countries that were surveyed, the workers in the U.S. who admitted calling in sick when they weren’t fell in the middle at 52%. Once again, I think the pivotal word here is ‘admitted’. You can’t convince me that only half the people in America have faked a sick day. I don’t buy it.
Me? I haven’t played hooky in 23 years. That’s how long it’s been since I’ve had a boss. If I need a day off, I just don’t come in to work, but I can’t remember the last time I did that. Conversely, I’ve had employees play hooky on me, and I can tell you that it’s no fun to be on the receiving end of someone’s dishonesty.
I can handle the truth. And if I know you and trust you, and you are typically reliable, I don’t even need an excuse or an explanation to give you some time off.
“Hi Eric, this is Bob. Is there any chance you can do without me today? I don’t want to leave you in the lurch, so if you’ve gotta have me there, I’ll be there. Otherwise, I need the day. What are your thoughts?”
Regardless what country you’re from or what company or organization you work for, tell the truth. If you don’t get the results you need or feel you have earned by being a dependable and trustworthy employee , then find another job. Don’t be mislead by the unemployment statistics, there are countless employers who are desperately searching for honest, reliable people.
Employers, if your employees have to tell you a lie to get the day off, it’s time to take a serious look at your rules and your policies, and perhaps even your leadership style.
Related articles
- Kronos Global Absence Survey Shows Employees around the World Playing Hooky with China Leading the Pack (bjconquest.com)
- 5 reasons to play hooky (holykaw.alltop.com)
- Life Inc.: Faking sick around the world (lifeinc.today.com)
