Is it unprofessional to call in sick two days in a row for the flu when 6 weeks into new job?

[Anonymous]

I started a new job about 7 weeks ago. Haven't missed anything yet but I called in sick two days in a row saying I have a bad flu. The real reason is im having bad depression. I'm on antidepressants and scheduled to go see my doctor. I am worriyung that people will think I am unprofessional taking two days in a row for the flu. What do you guys think?

[samhradh_leannan]

Calling in sick two days in a row is reasonable, considering that people often are sick for multiple days. If your employer has a problem with that, then that’s their issue. They should not be encouraging sick employees to come to work- not only is it unfair to expect someone to come to work when they’re really sick, it’s also bad for the whole company because they’ll be spreading germs around.

Mental health is a tricky subject because it’s not always respected a legitimate issue the way it should be. If you feel that you need to call in “sick” instead of telling the truth, then I personally feel that is absolutely within your rights. As long as you are legitimately unwell, you should stay home and care for yourself. That said, if this turns into an extended issue, it may be best to let your boss know what’s going on with you. And be mindful that if you’re somehow caught in your lie, it probably won’t help your case.

[madhatters4]

it's unprofessional since you are lying about it. if you really had the flu it would be fine but since you are just lying to get out of work then it's highly unprofessional

it would be better and professional to be honest with your employer

[samhradh_leannan]

I would agree under most circumstances, but mental health is a tricky subject. It’s not always respected as a valid health issue and in some cases, an employer might allow those types of struggles to reflect on their opinion of the employee’s effectiveness and professional abilities. If she doesn’t feel comfortable sharing the truth with her boss, then I think that has to be her choice to make.

[madhatters4]

@samhradh_leannan i don't disagree that the mental health conundrum can be tricky but it is still unprofessional to lie. most businesses aren't even allowed to ask why a person calls out sick, i mean they can ask but you don't have to tell them as sick leave is guaranteed. so if i'm here i just tell the boss i'm ill. if it's sick leave you can't be fired for it

[samhradh_leannan]

I guess maybe she should have just called in sick and said she was ill/unwell, rather than fabricating a cover story. That much I would agree with.

[madhatters4]

@samhradh_leannan my experience in HR and the management side of business is that so often the truth comes out and little lies for convenience when found out become bigger issues than necessary. i totally agree that some companies and managers will not respect the severity of mental health issues and that is why sick leave sick leave and can be undisclosed unless it is extended and requires actual medical leave

[samhradh_leannan]

That makes sense. Lying is never good. Keeping the details private would have been a better way to go.

[madhatters4]

Thanks for MHO

[matheus_mb]

Not if you actually have a flu. In your case it would've been better to tell the truth.

[Lovemycountryboy]

Tell
your damn boss the truth

[vittle1999]

Seems like a genuine enuf reason.