Every day, someone drags themselves into work with a cold, a migraine, or worse – afraid that taking a day off will impact their job or let their team down.
They apologise for being sick. They check emails from bed. They come back before they’re ready, because “the team’s under pressure.”
We’ve normalised presenteeism and it’s costing us – not just in lost productivity, but in people’s lives and wellbeing.
Presenteeism (working while unwell) drains energy, creativity, and health from millions of workers in every single sector.
No one should have to choose between their health and their job.
That’s why we’re fighting for a Right to Recover – so taking time off sick without guilt, punishment or stigma is a fundamental right for all workers.
What we’re calling for
We want every single workplace around the country to commit to three simple promises:
1. No guilt or pressure
No one should be made to feel they’re letting anyone down for being unwell. Recovery takes time and nobody should be pushed, guilted, or made to rush back before they’re ready.
2. No punishment
Sick leave should never affect pay, progression, or how someone is perceived.
Back-to-work interviews shouldn’t feel like interrogations, and being off sick shouldn’t be dealt with like a crime.
3. No shame or stigma
Being unwell isn’t a failure.
People should feel safe to talk about their health and recovery without fear or judgement.
Because when people are treated with care, everyone benefits – teams, organisations, and the economy itself.
How you can get involved
🧍♀️ Individuals
If you’ve ever been made to feel guilty for taking time off sick, your voice matters here.
Your story can help others feel less alone – and help us show the scale of the problem.
Stories can be shared anonymously. We’ll always ask before sharing anything publicly.
🏢 Organisations
Show your people that wellbeing isn’t just a buzzword.
By backing the Right to Recover, you’re standing up for a culture that values health, and you’ll help us shape the policies, procedures, and support for workplaces.
Download the toolkit for helpful resources, tools, and guidance to help make guilt-free recovery part of your culture.
What’s next
Over the coming months, we’ll be:
Gathering real stories from workers across every sector (in progress)
Working with organisations who have pledged to build practical resources and policies (in progress)
Bringing together unions, HR leaders, and employers for round-tables (early 2026)
Publishing practical resources to help businesses remove guilt and stigma around sick leave (early 2026)
Calling on policymakers to recognise the Right to Recover at a national level (mid-late 2026)
If you or your organisation want to be part of these next steps, we’d love to hear from you.
Want to cover the campaign in the media? Or invite Bex to speak on this vital topic? Email bex@theantiburnoutclub.com
Because working ill isn’t working well.