Two in 5 working mother and father admit to faking sickness take care of their sick youngsters, research reveals

Two out of five working parents have admitted to feigning illness in order to care for their sick child, according to a recent survey.

The poll, which surveyed 1,000 employed parents with children aged 16 and under, revealed that 57% experience guilt when taking time off work to tend to their unwell offspring.

A significant 80% of parents are urging employers to adopt more flexible working policies to accommodate the needs of sick children.

Fathers were found to be 15% more likely than mothers to lie about the reason behind their absence from work, compared to a third of Mothers.

Rachel Ramsden, brand manager at Olbas, the company behind the research, commented: “Parents are constantly juggling the demands of work and family life, but when a household comes down with a bug, the pressure can feel overwhelming.”

“Many parents are forced to call in sick to care for their children, adding stress to already demanding jobs, with so many working full-time while also managing the unpredictability of family health.”

“In this day and age, having a strong support network whether it’s grandparents or close friends can make all the difference when everything starts to feel like too much,” she added.

The study discovered that when a child was ill it also had a ripple effect on their own health, as they were likely to contract: colds (47%), coughs (39%), and sore throats (22%) from their little ones.

Yet, three quarters of parents admitted that it takes them longer to recover from an illness when they don’t take the time to rest and recuperate.

NHS GP Dr Roger Henderson, who has partnered with Olbas, stated: “It’s essential to listen to your body and take time off if you’re feeling run down, as early signs of illness – such as fatigue, headaches, or a scratchy throat – can be easily overlooked in busy lives.”

“Flexible and supportive work environments help individuals, especially parents, balance responsibilities while maintaining their health.”

“Generationally, older adults and young children are particularly susceptible to colds and flu, making it even more crucial for them to prioritise rest and recovery.”