Prof. Nita Chhinzer from the Department of Management in U of G’s Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics spoke to both CBC News and CTV News about workers taking fewer sick days during the pandemic and workers who may not feel safe on the job.

In an interview with CBC News Online, Chhinzer said there may be a few reasons why reports show that public service workers took fewer sick days in the first several months of COVID-19 pandemic than they did over the same time in previous years.

She said it may be that workers have gotten sick but decided to push through it while working from home. It may also be that there is less incentive to take “fake” sick days.

“Now there’s nothing to do. So why take that fake sick day?” she said.

Speaking to CTVNews.ca, she said with a “second wave” of COVID-19 looming, many Canadian workers may be feeling anxiety about their workplaceand may be considering seeking help.

She said it’s important to recognize that mental health is a “shared responsibility” between employers and employees, and that both need to play a role in managing stress.

She added it’s important for employees to advocate for themselves if they are feeling unsafe in their workplace. This might include asking manager for a new deadline, requesting assistance putting up physical barriers, or sending email reminders about physical distancing.

Chhinzer is a professor of human resources who studies downsizing practices and aspects of employment ethics.