I view it as gaslighting. Employees are conditioned to put the interests of the employer ahead of their own as a sign of commitment and dedication. I see the same thing in school with students and the obsession in perfect attendance.
I rarely take sick leave because I’m rarely so ill that I can’t do my job. My general rule of thumb is if I feel so bad that I would just park myself behind my desk while the kids do seat work, then I’ll stay home. After the pandemic, I’m definitely going to be making a point of taking mental health days when I really need them. Mental health is just as important as physical.
I get three personal days a year that roll over as sick leave if not used. I make a point of using those days each year. They’re mine to use, so I use them! And they won’t cash out as sick leave anyway when I retire.