off sick but going to the gym
Discussion
hopefully someone can help solve a pub question which led to a lively debate!
Friend of ours was off work recently - basically working too hard and completely stressed out.
So the doc signed him off and a week later he started going to the gym/swimming/cycling.
I thought this was reasonable - he was not signed off with e.g. a bad back and exercise has to be good for overall health.
Several others thought he should not have done that - none of us are experts in this area but I am now curious what the correct situation is?
One interesting additional question, if walking/cycling/gym/swim type activities are ok, what about racket sports or golf even - does the type of exercise matter?
Thanks in advance!
Friend of ours was off work recently - basically working too hard and completely stressed out.
So the doc signed him off and a week later he started going to the gym/swimming/cycling.
I thought this was reasonable - he was not signed off with e.g. a bad back and exercise has to be good for overall health.
Several others thought he should not have done that - none of us are experts in this area but I am now curious what the correct situation is?
One interesting additional question, if walking/cycling/gym/swim type activities are ok, what about racket sports or golf even - does the type of exercise matter?
Thanks in advance!
If a person is officially signed off sick, what they do on that sick time is of no relevance to their employer unless it a) is detrimental to their recovery or b) detrimental to the employers business.
What it looks like in reality may be a totally different matter though. A bit of common sense and subtlety should be used.
What it looks like in reality may be a totally different matter though. A bit of common sense and subtlety should be used.
Why the seperation between racket games and swimming etc. Exercise is good for you generally whatever kind it is, these 'several others' should mind their own business and if it makes the guy happier going to the gym then that's where he should be going.
Being sat at home just makes matters worse, cabin fever etc.
Being sat at home just makes matters worse, cabin fever etc.
It would normally depend on the circumstances so providing the reason for sick leave doesn't contradict with the sport (e.g. broken leg but playing football) then there shouldn't be an issue. Perception is a different matter though of course.
Exercise is often deemed to be therapeutic.
Exercise is often deemed to be therapeutic.
If he has discussed this with his doctor and been advised to visit the gym to help with his recovery then he should go. It all depends on what he has been instructed to do. Also if he has been signed off sick then his employer cannot do anything. Mind you when it comes to promotions etc, it might be a different matter.
stress which leads to you being signed off is a mental illness and his doctor would undoubtedly have recommended that he get out and do things he enjoys whilst signed off.
If his employer cares for his wellbeing they will be supportive. having to worry about what others think will not help.
If his employer cares for his wellbeing they will be supportive. having to worry about what others think will not help.
Whilst I was signed off with stress I took my dying Dad fishing, and on a tour of the Jaguar factory amongst other things.
It was just what I needed.
If you are not fit for work, you do what you can to become fit for work again (Assuming you want to). Be that laying up for a week or clearing your head through activities, do what you need to do.
You live once.
It was just what I needed.
If you are not fit for work, you do what you can to become fit for work again (Assuming you want to). Be that laying up for a week or clearing your head through activities, do what you need to do.
You live once.
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