That co-woker may be fit to work but his health has limitations. To a person with chronic illness, whether he works full time or part time, there are challenges they would have to be faced every day which could make them a patient at work.
The Mighty made a list of the things that our sick co-workers wish you knew. This is in the hope to enlighten those whom they are pleading to, for understand of a sick co-worker's health condition. Here are 10:
1. He is not slacking, in fact he is recovering or is trying to recover.
2. He hopes that you be patient with regards to their condition. It hurts when he does want to be there but can't.
3. He fakes it so that he can make it. He could still be in pain yet he show up at the office.
4. He is not trying to be selfish, the double shift requirement is taking a toll on his physical condition.
5. He sleeps fully dressed for work the next day just so he can be able to push himself and actually make it to work the next day.
6. He isn't lazy or unmotivated, or unwilling. He is sick.
7. His entire day is to save energy in order to be there the shoe shift.
8. He isn't looking for sympathy, and even though he isn't talking too much about his illness it's a part of his life.
9. His mistakes at work is usually the cause of his illness.
10. Not every day is the same day for him. He could be sick Monday and be well the next day. It doesn't mean he wants a long weekend for himself.
This is what makes a professional patient.It's something our sick workers don't want but the challenge they have to bear. May we be patient towards those who needed it from us.
The Huffington Post also had an article about empowering professional patients. You can find it in the links and also, here's a video that can relate to this article.
