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Am I a bad employee if I skip work because of work stress?

35 Answers
Last Updated: 01/29/2024 at 7:31pm
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Top Rated Answers
Roadie
December 19th, 2014 11:19pm
No, you are not a bad employee if you skip work because of work stress. There are positive links between work stress and absenteeism in the workplace. However, what I would say is that skipping work because of absenteeism does not attack the root cause of your stress - work. Attacking whatever is causing that stress in the first place using positive measures such as for example, talking to your manager or human resources person about your work stresses will go a long way to solving your work stress issues moving forward.
AwesomelyLonely
December 19th, 2014 11:21pm
No. Everybody does it once in a while, if they say they don't - they're lying! Stress affects everyone at some point in their life, calling in sick every now and then because you don't feel up to it emotionally is something no-one is going to hold against you.
Anonymous
June 2nd, 2018 4:52am
Hi, this is a really late answer, but no. You aren't a bad person. Your mental and physical health should never be compromised just because of a job. As I speak, I'm skipping work today. I'm in bed it's 9 minutes to 8am work is at 9am. I'm stressed out and I'm just not going.
Greatlistener87
- Expert in Work Stress
May 16th, 2016 6:03am
If you skip your work on a 1 day basis because u need rest thats fine. But if you keep skipping then you have a problem. You have a responsibility given to you when you take up the job and the position given to you and sometimes it might be hard and all but skipping it does not solve the issue.
Anonymous
December 20th, 2014 9:41am
No. Take care of yourself. But realize something: if you take off too much work because you are stressed out, it will only add to your stress when you go back in. The best approach, in the long run, is striving to find and maintain a work/life balance that works for you. That isn't easy to do, but it's worth the effort. But no, you are never a bad person for taking care of yourself.
KevinLewis
December 21st, 2014 4:16pm
Absolutely not! As human beings sometimes we just need a interpersonal break away from interaction or even at the workplace. I believe giving yourself a little time off from work when it may become overwhelming can be very effective in helping your situation. I would also recommend consulting with your employer, manager or supervisor of your stress issue as well. They most certainly may be able to help assist. Don't just skip work without communication!
FlowerInDisguise19
April 23rd, 2015 7:32pm
No, you are not a bad employee if you skip work because of work stress. Your workplace should understand the importance of self care and it's ok for you to have some time out for yourself for self care. However, if you're skipping work because of work stress you should really address the stress instead of not tackling it head on, perhaps talking to your employer or manager about the stresses may get you some relief and may help you cope with feelings at work better. As long as you stay positive you'll get through it, just remember whatever makes you really unhappy, you do have the right to walk away from it! :)
Haley622
July 14th, 2015 4:47pm
Although your work is important, taking care of yourself is much more important. If you are overly stressed from work, your work will be lacking and your health and wellness will be at risk so taking a day is important if you need.
ladycat946
July 25th, 2016 1:30am
No, I think it's a good sign that you need to pay attention to your health. Take care of yourself and try to see what stresses you. You can eventually go see a doctor or talk about it with a professional if it persists. You can talk with your boss to see if he can change your schedule or do other things to help you.
Anonymous
June 30th, 2015 5:11pm
You won't be considered a bad employee, working thru the stress might cause mistakes, which in turn would cost the company money.
heycrysteezy
- Expert in Work Stress
December 20th, 2014 3:47am
Of course not. You're allowed to take a personal day. As long as it's not excessive calling off. People can become ill because of stress, that's why some companies have paid time off, so that you can take those days if approved.
Missionmagic101
August 13th, 2018 1:21pm
not at all. although skipping work may not please most of employers and we mustn't do it as a habit, we must remember that our health comes first. if you feel so stressed to the point it's affecting your life and work performance then you should consider taking sometime to yourself and practice some self-care. take is as any other illness. if you don't feel well, consider treating yourself first and then go back to work with extra energy and an eased mind.
HopefulBambi
September 28th, 2020 7:29pm
I do not believe that skipping work due to work stress makes you a bad employee. We all experience burnout in many different forms, and stress is one of the larger, more common factors for this. We all need to take breaks for our mental and physical health, and if that includes taking a day or two off from work, that is totally valid and understandable. It's better than forcing yourself into a scenario that makes you uncomfortable and not the best fit to handle. There may be some resources worth looking into on 7 Cups, or even through a co-worker or other online means that might be able to assist you with easing this work stress -- but at the end of the day, it does not make you a bad employee to skip work from this.
Anonymous
January 8th, 2015 12:44am
Depending on how much? I would advice using vacation time and not always do it. If the job over-stress you everyday then you need to consider looking for another job that you enjoy.
Jadie
December 31st, 2014 2:34am
I think it's best to talk with your employer about taking a day off because of work stress - that way they are aware what is going on, and can try to address the situation with you.
Ej
December 20th, 2014 6:13am
I wouldn't label someone as bad merely because they're human and acted in a manner they deemed fit. What I would say, however, is that skipping work is only a temporary solution and avoids conquering the main issue; why is the stressed caused, what have you done to alleviate the stress, and what can you still do to conquer it?
Anonymous
December 20th, 2014 2:15am
No. A lot of people go through this. Your health comes first and foremost over anything. Work can get stressful but dont let it overrun your life
GoldenRuleJG
January 29th, 2024 7:31pm
This sounds like you are feeling guilt and some regret about not being present at work. You are welcome to think about your feelings towards work - are you finding some aspects challenging (e.g. issues with your boss, co-workers, difficulties in completing work)? It maybe helpful to think how often you are off from work - no matter the pattern if well-being or a learning difficulty or mental health condition is impairing your ability to work you may want to consult advice from a doctor for a diagnosis - this could contribute to getting accommodations in place to support.
HelpWisely
January 12th, 2016 5:58am
No, you are not a bad employee at all because stress can be a hindrance to your work and may hinder your productivity.
emergeintolight
April 12th, 2016 10:25pm
Not at all, many people suffer from work stress. Maybe try taking a couple days off to relieve the stress you are experiencing.
starryRiver83
January 3rd, 2017 1:04pm
Sometimes stress can be too much and you need to take a day off, however, if you are stressed as a result of work then you need to make this clear. How are you spending your day? Are you separating work from home? Are you being asked to meet more demands and have you taken on too much? Maybe you need to speak to people at work. Noone should be made to feel stressed when they are at work. It is not a long term solution to skip every so often so maybe making sure that you speak to people and try to improve your work life in the future.
daisymccarthy
July 25th, 2017 6:50pm
Never. Your employer is responsible for your well-being which is why at good work places that recognize it, employees have provident funds and employer-insured health coverage. Always inform your line in advance of you're taking a leave, as it is a good work ethic. Inform them of the reason as it may lead to positive changes in the work place. Seek therapy and go out with less stressful co-workers. Bottomline: your mental health matters and an employer will benefit from a healthy employee.
Anonymous
December 21st, 2021 4:14am
Nope not at all. Stress can get very very hard to deal with. All you're doing is trying to tackle it and it's necessary to do so. You can't be efficient in work with stress. You're never bad for taking a break for the sake of your well-being. Continue to take care of yourself and remember there's no harm in it
Anonymous
December 29th, 2015 9:12am
No, you are not. Unless you skip work every second day or fail to notify the office about your issues. "Work stress" is a relevant reason. You need to solve the matter. It will harm you if you continue to work under stress. What's causing you the stress? Is it unfair treatment? Then, report the matter to the authority figures. Respect yourself and the office.
BatWings89
December 14th, 2015 7:32pm
It might not be ideal, but if you're so far it might be best if you go to a GP and get a sick notice so you can deal with the stress in a long term and effective way. Check out the guide here on 7 cups on work stress.
Anonymous
December 6th, 2015 9:32pm
You should talk it through with them first and notify them of why.
DipityEnigma
November 30th, 2015 2:10pm
You're not a bad employ but you might want to consider speaking with your boss about the stress you're experiencing at work and this also goes for home as well. It will help them understand your situation and it will also help them to help you.
Anonymous
November 2nd, 2015 3:05pm
Missing work due to work related stress does not make you a bad employee. However, not attending to the issues resulting in the stress at work, will result in the employee using works stress as an excuse for missing work on a regular basis and this will not reflect well on your employee record. It is important to communicate through the correct channels if you are facing challenges in the work place.
PoliteOcean
October 26th, 2015 1:34am
Nobody can answer that for you, only you know yourself the best. And self care is of the utmost importance. Its hard to be the person or worker you need to be if stress is getting the best of you. Also perhaps talking to your supervisor or boss can help you deal with the cause of the stress also, if they are the cause, then perhaps you need to look at other avenues, and possibly speak with a counselor or therapist for further assistance.
Anonymous
September 28th, 2015 4:19pm
No, if you at least warn your boss that you'll be off for a while. Everyone needs to get off and relax sometimes.