JUNIOR STAFF ON MC BUT FORCED TO WORK FROM HOME BY SENIOR COLLEAGUES TO HELP THEM

Working while on MC

Is it normal to be expected to continue working and meeting internal deadlines while I am on MC?

I know some tasks have urgent external deadlines and for those I have continued submitting work and keeping things on track but for internal stuff, my colleagues keep calling and texting me to ask for stuff despite knowing I am on MC. And this is not my own work but their work that they wanted me to assist with (and I couldn’t say no because I am very junior).

I find it unfair especially since I am genuinely sick and am struggling to get through each day (not just enjoying at home) but maybe it’s just how work life is and I should get used to it and keep forcing myself to work even when I am genuine sick?

Netizens’ comments

1. It simply does not matter what your colleagues think, you are officially certified unfit for work for this period of time by a medical professional. Concentrate on healing.
2. Draw your boundaries well with your colleagues, let them know firmly that you are in no state to work.
3. If you accept it then it is acceptable to you. If you don’t accept it then it is unacceptable to you.
4. Take care of yourself! And as hard as it may be, sometimes you just gotta learn to prioritize yourself.
5. correct answer is no but this is typical SME culture
   This is something that can be seen in SMEs as well as MNCs, and especially if you are in a PMET role. It also depends on the culture of your workplace.
6. Happened to me before also, I just pretended to be knocked out after taking meds and replied only at night to their messages and missed calls. It’s partly true anyway, I was on 2 days MC and the meds for fever/flu usually causes drowsiness. The employer almost wanted to come to my house just to pass me work which I thought was crazy. I quit after 2-3 months.