The alarm’s buzzing … but something’s not right. You’re sniffly, sneezy … queasy. You have a common cold. Or is it something worse? Should you drag yourself to work? Or spend the day in front of the tube?

“Presenteeism” — going to work when you’re sick — is as contagious as the flu. Millions of Americans are doing it. By one estimate, upwards of 75% head to work with the common cold or other problems.

Sure, sick employees keep the computer warm. But research shows that people sick with the common cold are not very productive. In fact, their lost productivity accounts for up to 60% of employer health costs — more than if they’d taken a sick day.

So you wake up with a common cold or some other ailment that’s getting you down. What should you do?

Read the whole article for a no-nonsense breakdown on sniffles, chills, coughing, sinus pain, stomach upset, poison ivy, and more.

How do you decide when to take a sick day?

(photo credit: Georgios M. W.)

Contents © Copyright 2007 Kristen King

Post from: Blisstree

When to Take a Sick Day and When to Suck it Up