Campaigns

Go on… take a sickie!

By Kate ⋅ January 15, 2009 ⋅  Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment

Thanks to the tip from @Jangles, I’m doing a little research on this ad campaign that’s been getting a lot of attention in the media.

Apparently there are two different opinions about this commercial, with an even bigger cause for debate based on the Benylin website, which has instructions for calling in sick.

Does one agree with The Daily Mail who reports:

Bosses are furious over a TV commercial for a cold remedy which encourages sufferers ‘to throw a sickie’.

The advert suggests those with viral symptoms should ‘take a Benylin day’ in bed, rather than struggle into the office.

Yesterday the Federation of Small Businesses said the campaign, for Benylin Cold & Flu Capsules, could encourage thousands to take time off for minor complaints.

This would cost firms millions as they struggle with the effects of the credit crunch.

However, Brand Republic has also been doing some looking into this and found a statement from McNeil Products, which manufactures Benylin, that said:

“The ‘Take a Benylin day’ campaign is based on valid medical opinion, and the principle of staying at home to recover from sickness is strongly supported by UK bosses.

And

“This view was also endorsed by healthcare professionals, who recognised that by dragging yourself to work you not only compromise your productivity and prolong the duration of your cold/flu, but you also risk infecting your colleagues.”

Personally, I think the whole thing is silly. But then, I’m a rational girl.