I don't know what you're supposed to do when ill any more

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I've got some sort of bug. I don't feel awful, I could do an adequate job, but I am clearly full of germs.

Wfh today (as planned) but I have a series of meetings tomorrow, which involve travel and sitting in various rooms with lots of different people.

I am key to the meetings. Some would likely be cancelled if I'm not there.

Before Covid I'd have definitely gone to work. I imagine my boss would think it a poor show if I say I'm feeling bit off colour I'm not going, but I also know there are people in the meetings who would prefer not to catch anything and that people are much more vocal about that than they used to be.

Oh, and I'm still on probation in this job.

Well don't phrase it as "feeling a bit off colour" for a start!

You could put it out to those in the meetings and explain that you're currently unwell with a bug, would they prefer you to conduct the meeting over zoom instead. No reason why they can't continue to meet in person, the whole thing doesn't need to be virtual.

if I’m ill but well enough to work I’d just say I will need to join remotely

Meant to add: You could also suggest that you mask if conducting the meeting in person if that would make people more comfortable

Basically take charge of the situation and show that you're being considerate of the needs of others

In the situation you describe I’d attend in person as planned. Most workplace policies haven’t changed.

So you're not too unwell to work, you are just concerned about passing germs on to others?

In that case, I would let them know and offer to either carry on as planned, join remotely, or re-arrange. See what everyone wants to do.

Join remotely if you can. Otherwise show up. I've attended workshops with people that are clearly unwell but that's life. I might get ill as a result, I might not. Better be there than have to cancel sessions that I assume were tricky to arrange - particularly when you're on probation.

I'm not really that concerned a out passing on germs if I'm honest, I think these things happen, but I am concerned about the reaction of others in the room. These are people I'm supposed to impress.

For the same reason, I'm reluctant to attend remotely. I know it's theoretically possible, but IME the worst kind of meetings are those where most are in the room and one isn't.

but I also know there are people in the meetings who would prefer not to catch anything and that people are much more vocal about that than they used to be.

I would be very unimpressed if an employee of mine tried to use this as an excuse to not turn up for work, because they were feeling ‘a bit off colour’.

You’re not being paid to look after other people’s health.

Besides, for all you know, half of them could be using public transport.

I would attend in person in your situation especially if on probation. Sounds bad but in your shoes I’d rather upset the people who would rather not catch a cold than my new boss. That’s the cold hard reality.

Take some cold meds and get on with it. Anything else risks the job if you’re on probation and your boss would think it was a poor show if you didn’t turn up in person.

It really depends on the culture of your workplace.

In my workplace you would be strongly encouraged to take the time off sick and rest and recover.

But not everywhere is like that.

Speak to your boss. Say you have a vicious lurgy and would they prefer to do meetings remotely or wear a mask during meetings.

Its polite to let people know you are ill in any circumstances so they can make an informed choice.

I think people hate being reminded of covid and therefore feel more uncomfortable when people don’t show up to things because of bugs. Masks seem to provoke those same feelings or you end up with people smirking at you, which make you feel worse.

If you feel well enough I would take some cold relief for it and just show up as usual with no mask.

Well then that's your answer.
Dose up, anti bac gel & tissues, good makeup and business as usual.

If you don't want to attend remotely and you actually well enough to work then really you should just carry on then.

Yeah don't wear a mask unless you are severely immunocompromised. You will look very odd trying to lead a meeting like that.

Personally unless you are vomiting then you take a neurofen, some Vicks nasal stuff, and a thermos full of tea and crack on.

Don’t do this! I manage a big team and if someone asked me this I’d feel obliged to say stay home/dial in remotely or whatever but actually it would really annoy me. Unless you’re very sick I would expect you to turn up to an important meeting and if you are too sick to work then just come out and say it like an adult rather than putting the onus on me to ‘bless’ your choice to stay home.

i have had to work with covid as time off unpaid ,i had to go in with a face mask. What's funnier its a customer facing position ,working sick is pretty normal .I much rather stay home but like many of my co workers cant afford to

I was horrified a manager came in throwing up ,there is stil a line but its pretty high

depends the work place but as your on probation i would come in sick

If you're obviously really grotty, sneezing/runny nose/coughing a lot I'd wonder whether your presence will just be a distraction, and off-putting to quite a few people. I mean, no one is going to want to sit right next to you if you're like that. If it's lower level and easier to hide the fact you're ill then I would go in.

I've got a virus at the moment - sore throat, head ache and minor sniffles. I have continued to work in person but I'm fairly confident I'm managing to keep my germs to myself.

If you are only able to do an ‘adequate job’ then surely it would be better to stay at home? Especially if on probation?

Being off sick isn’t an option for me, so the answer is I go to work no matter what. Unless I am actually unconscious or in intensive care. Even when I’ve literally been in hospital I’ve still been going to work.
Makes things simpler.

@SheSpeaks

Even when I’ve literally been in hospital I’ve still been going to work.
Makes things simpler.

Curious how you manage that - or do you work in a hospital?

Dh worked from his hospital bed. It was his choice but he did it because he was afraid of letting various deals/projects fail without him.

Oh, and I'm still on probation in this job.

and some sort of bug. I don't feel awful, I could do an adequate job,

Go op.unless this “sort of bug” involved lots of spluttering coughs and sneezing

If you can work you go in my opinion.
If very unwell with a heavy cold/flu or D&V you stay home.
I would dose myself up with cold and flu meds and attend in your position.