Work while in hospital

NBC said:
Arthur, I understand what you mean.

I am typing this from my hospital bed. Just keep in mind, I am already on standby, 24/7, including holidays. Just me, no one else. There are 5 other employees equally (if not better) equipped to assist. I am not trying to approach this from a rights perspective, but rather from a shared responsibility as a team. They would rather complain about me not assisting while in hospital than sort out the problem. I try my best to assist where I can, even taking calls, but this is the type of response.

I just had my blood pressure taken again and it is significantly higher, dangerously actually. So I don't deem it to be healthy.

I am not looking for sympathy, but I nearly lost both of my kidneys, so it's no joke.

I will not name the company, but I can say that they are based in Cape Town.
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Are you officially booked off by doctors while in the hospital?

If the answer is yes, then turn off your damn phone and put your laptop away.
 
NBC said:
Arthur, I understand what you mean.

I am typing this from my hospital bed. Just keep in mind, I am already on standby, 24/7, including holidays. Just me, no one else. There are 5 other employees equally (if not better) equipped to assist. I am not trying to approach this from a rights perspective, but rather from a shared responsibility as a team. They would rather complain about me not assisting while in hospital than sort out the problem. I try my best to assist where I can, even taking calls, but this is the type of response.

I just had my blood pressure taken again and it is significantly higher, dangerously actually. So I don't deem it to be healthy.

I am not looking for sympathy, but I nearly lost both of my kidneys, so it's no joke.

I will not name the company, but I can say that they are based in Cape Town.
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NBC, man I'm sorry to heart about your kidneys.

Your health is more important than any job. It is vital, therefore, that you not do anything that imperils your health or quick recovery - and I'm pretty sure your management understands that (if not, they're not worth working for). If I were you I'd contact your manager and explain that, much as you'd like to, you're simply not in a position to assist and that your highest priority now is to recover as quickly as you can and that you look forward to getting back to playing your part in the organisation. Set their expectation as to how long you will be incommunicado. If they really need to ask you something they can visit you during visiting hours.
 
I am in hospital. My employer knows I'm not working for the next 3 to 6 weeks. I put in sick leave. It's a legal right.

If they can't plan capacity properly that's not your problem
 
We have a collegue, senior dev, who's been a couple of times in hospital this year, hardly out, back at work. Sad situation thinking this guy's going to be dead in 5 years time. Sooner or later your body will give up to lack of rest.
 
I know those employees, they'll twist things anyway they want.

"I know you are in hospital but you are just lying in bed doing nothing, why can't you chip in and at least take a phone call or answer some emails, it's really not much, everyone else is putting in a huge effort at the office, is that fair seeing we are horribly snowed under?

For some employers nothing is sacred, I'd seek alternative employment asap you are working for vampires, the worst kind. If someone is sick enough to be admitted to hospital that means they are strictly off limits work wise, the only thing they could conceivably require in that situation is say a password for them to access work on your computer or information on where something is stored etc.
 
Sinbad said:
I am in hospital. My employer knows I'm not working for the next 3 to 6 weeks. I put in sick leave. It's a legal right.

If they can't plan capacity properly that's not your problem
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Hey! If you can hang out here, you are capable of working, now back to work! :D
 
It is the co"workers" that p*ss me off. While in ICU a coworker insisted that I have to be available at all times. This is somebody that had the same training as me.
 
NBC said:
I hope this is the right thread for this.

I just have one question if anybody can shed some light. Can an employer expect you to work (reply to emails and provide support) while you are in hospital with a serious condition?

I try my best to help out where I can, but the pressure is mounting and my blood pressure literally rising to high levels.

Any advice would be appreciated, thank you.
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Jesus. How is this even a question.

If I have a bad flu I stop all work stuff (after appropriately notifying superiors, HR and setting out of office).

I've currently got a boss pressuring me to check mails outside of biz hours...haha fat chance of that.
 
This does not sound right to me (according to labour law you have to give consent). Do you belong to any union? If yes, just contact them for advice instead of relying on the answers from the forum. Good luck as well and hope you will be fine. :)
 
this is a damn shame for the OP. as others said, it's not expected and to add, it's illegal. you are booked of sick for a reason. problem is if you run with this the wrong way, the company may look for reasons to get rid of you later. you need to speak to your boss and tell him why you think this is unfair.
 
Sinbad said:
I am in hospital. My employer knows I'm not working for the next 3 to 6 weeks. I put in sick leave. It's a legal right.
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Is it? I recall SA law being quite unforgiving on this front (long term paid sick leave).

airborne said:
it's really not much, everyone else is putting in a huge effort at the office, is that fair seeing we are horribly snowed under?
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The irony is that I do actually respond to people...all the ones saying "don't worry it can wait till you're better".:D
 
This is seriously messed up. You don't have to work while in hospital. If you are unable to work due to stress then get a different job fast.
 
HavocXphere said:
Is it? I recall SA law being quite unforgiving on this front (long term paid sick leave).
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30 days in 3 years is the limit iirc? 6 weeks is the full 30 days unless you work a 6 day week or something like that? After that though you would need to put in normal leave if you are sick and need a day off...

I used to be that guy answering emails and taking support calls on a Friday evening at 11. @Arthur you talk about helping out and doing your best for the growth of the company and team but after a while I started realising that that kind of behavior can make things worse. I no longer work after hours unless the required after hours work is planned.

Live by the 7 P's: Proper Planning and Preparation Prevents P*ss Poor Performance

"Insisting" someone be available after hours at all times is terrible planning and extremely shortsighted. Helping out when not required can be admired but not EVER to the detriment of your health.
 
Thank you for everyone's responses. I read up a bit, and yes, I have to give consent. I offered to help where and when I can, but when I was put under pressure to respond and resolve issues, it got a bit much.

On the bright side, I was discharged and should make a full recovery. Will have a serious chat with the bosses when I get back. And definitely have feelers out for a better employer.
 
NBC said:
Thank you for everyone's responses. I read up a bit, and yes, I have to give consent. I offered to help where and when I can, but when I was put under pressure to respond and resolve issues, it got a bit much.

On the bright side, I was discharged and should make a full recovery. Will have a serious chat with the bosses when I get back. And definitely have feelers out for a better employer.
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Glad to hear you are doing better! Good luck and I hope you have a speedy recovery!
 
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