Viral fever, cold, headache: Chhutti kaise lein? Delhiites struggle with flu amid #WFH
Asking for sick leaves while on work from home has become a frustrating affair for many
The rain gods seem a little too generous recently, and this has left most denizens dealing with the cons of the weather. A recent report stated that 41% households in Delhi faced flu-like symptoms. And while it was easier to ask for a sick leave in the pre-Covid era when people invariably worked from office, it’s not the same while on #WFH.
Drishti Tantia, a financial planner from Delhi, shares, “I fell sick recently and thought to work for two-three hours and then rest. But even that was impossible due to the work pressure. I don’t usually take too many days off, to not cause inconvenience to others. But how to explain on phone that it’s important to rest as well?”
For some, taking a leave became an issue as others in their team had already called in sick. “Everyone is under the weather... Ek ya half day ka rest mil raha hai, then we’ve to join back even though cold and flu requires at least three days of rest,” says Praful Gupta, an entrepreneur from Delhi.
Some employees do try to adjust, but not everyone. Nipun Seth, owner of an event firm in
Gurugram, says, “At least twothree people text me every day ki bukhaar hai, chhutti le lein? Now, I can’t take leave when I’m unwell as I’m filling in for those who’re sick.”
A similar sentiment is shared by Juhi Khurana Mahendru, an entrepreneur from Delhi, who works with a small team. She says, “I’m all for giving time off to recover. But it’s irritating to wake up to messages with a long list of symptoms! Somehow, we are managing with fewer people as work needs to be completed. Hope the rest can resume work once they feel better.”
I don’t take too many days off, to not cause inconvenience to others. But how to explain on phone that it’s important to rest as well? DRISHTI TANTIA, Financial planner
Almost everyone is under the weather, and sabko ek sath chhutti thodi mil jayegi. PRAFUL GUPTA, Entrepreneur
We’re managing with fewer people as work needs to be done. Hope the rest resume once they feel better. JUHI KHURANA MAHENDRU, Entrepreneur