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Nearly nine in 10 workers in the UK have carried on working despite being unwell while Gen Z is the most likely generation to take a sick day, according to research.

A poll of 2,000 workers, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Olbas, found 86 per cent have continued working while unwell despite 74 per cent agreeing that staying at home is the responsible thing to do.

Only 10 per cent always take sick leave when unwell, which Olbas said highlighted “a winter recovery gap”.

Twenty-one per cent of Gen Zs were most likely to take a sick day compared with seven per cent of baby boomers, 17 per cent of Millennials and 11 per cent of Gen Xs.

Olbas also said there was “a clear need for practical guidance”, with 22 per cent of workers wanting “greater confidence in how to manage symptoms” and 21 per cent wanting “to know which medicines or remedies could help”.

The research coincides with Olbas’ launched of its Winter Recovery Report which explores how the UK “responds to seasonal illness and the tension between knowing when to rest and feeling able to step away from work”.

“The findings reflect a widespread ‘soldier on’ culture,” Olbas said. The report highlighted “an information opportunity for pharmacies and retailers during the winter season”.

Over one in five respondents said they more information on how best to manage symptoms would make them more confident about when to rest and recover, while 21 per cent wanted to know which medicines or remedies could help relieve their symptoms.

Sixty-two per cent said they drink plenty of fluids, 60 per cent prioritise sleep, 56 per cent make sure they get enough rest and 47 per cent take over-the-counter cold or flu remedies.

Dr Roger Henderson, a GP and spokesperson for Olbas, said: “The research points towards a ‘winter recovery gap’. The issue isn't simply whether people know they should rest, it's about feeling able to give yourself permission to do so.

“‘Powering through’ work when we feel unwell can become deeply ingrained, so we convince ourselves that because a medicine has made us feel better, or because we can get through the working day, we must be well enough to carry on.

“However, symptom relief and recovery aren't necessarily the same thing.”