Cultural Sensitivity to Common Illnesses

There may be cultural sensitivities to common illnesses which need to be considered if you become ill in another country while you are working. For example, in many Asian countries, it is common practice to either not come to work if you have a cold or to wear a medical mask. In the West, employees tend to “soldier on” with a common cold and go to work. Whereas in Asia, the approach is more about the impact on everyone else in the office.

You will see employees wearing masks in the office and it a sign of respect from the person who has the cold, to not give it to co-workers. Take note of such practices in the offices you visit in other parts of the world or if you get ill, ask the HR representative what the appropriate behavior is to respect customs and norms in that part of the world.