The Cost of Not Taking a Sick Day

A new study looks at how presenteeism -- going to work while ill -- can be harmful to more than just the individual, and why it is that certain organizational cultures promote the practice

Your nose is running, your throat is scratchy, and your eyes are burning. But you drag yourself out of bed, dress, and head to the office anyway feeling virtuous and sick. Once there, you proceed to share your virus with your coworkers. But at least you showed up to get the job done, right?   


Wrong, according to a new study. Presenteeism -- attending work while ill -- is not always a smart choice for individuals or the organizations for which they work. It is entirely possible that a worker who is ill may be present physically, but mentally he or she might as well be home in bed.   Read More