Sick Days & Time Management

Developing countries around the world have different laws pertaining to the allotment of sick days, and thus each country has it's own calculation as to the number and true cost of sick days. In an article dated September 05, 2006, according to Onrec.com, sick days cost the UK economy 1.7 Billion per year. Statistics Canada reported a range of 6.5 to 9.6 days lost per worker for 2005 on a per province basis.

With sick day absence costing billions of dollars each year, companies can now go to Costofabsence.com to get a quick picture of the sick day bill they face. However, providing sick-day options to employees is critical in a number of ways, with the most obvious being the general consensus that paid sick days improve public health by reducing the spread of disease. So although there is a cost associated to paid sick days, the true cost benefit could be a healthier overall staff, and thus fewer collective sick days.

Caring for a sick child or other loved one is a very common reason employees are forced into the use of sick days. Unfortunately not all countries provide a sick day option for all employees, so the employee is faced with choosing between a pay cheque or caring for a sick loved one. Certainly a terrible position to be in, yet so many find themselves exactly in this position. Even with paid sick days, one basic option companies can consider providing are fundamental technology tools that allow employees to Telework on these unexpected days. Tools such as Remote PC and Meetings Online are affordable, and although they are not the ultimate solution, they can assist the employee and employer in solving critical issues in a pinch.

Teleworking Tools are directly associated with the mobile office concept, and the wireless world has found a way to marry these tools with sick leave. Implementation is the next step and although sick leave is not a formal teleworking implementation strategy, the tools a person could use for a sick day are the same.

Sick or not, are you stressed out with no time to find time? No really, I'm not a genius, it's just a wild guess. Let's see, between, work, family, friends and other obligations your lack of time is a top priority - if you can ever get to it. According to an April 2006 Article in Entrepreneur.com, "Putting up your Dukes" is a first step to getting your frustrations out. Of course the reference pertains to sparring a few rounds in the Boxing Ring as a way to relieve tension. You'll have to fit that into your schedule though. It's a great idea - don't hit me - you just need to find a way to utilize the time you have more effectively.

There are no secrets on how to stretch the intangible - time. Although tangible solutions, such as the use of technology tools, are gaining steam. According to a July 2006 article in , a Gartner Inc. study showed that substantial growth in teleworking is partly due to employees wanting to be more effective and achieve a better work-life balance. Fortunately technology tools have made it easier to manage remote workers. Businesses who are utilizing these tools reap the reward of happier employees as well as aid in reducing negative impacts on the environment.

In 2005, of 135.4 million workers, 45.1 million worked from home and many worked from other locations such as satellite offices, client offices, or their car. It appears, "life is finding a way" to find time. Not so fast, the other side of that flower, is the weed screaming "you are too connected". However, on those days when you can't get into the office, having remote access to your work pc from home is incredibly useful. Also, time constraints are making it difficult for people to get together for regular meetings, so scheduling meetings online is a viable alternative more and more people are using.

Ultimately only you can decide if tools such as remotely accessing your pc or web conferencing will help you win the time battle. The concept of working from home on your office pc, with a coffee, in your track suit, may be just what you need to unwind. You're not dressed-up and have nothing but time - for that moment.