Sick day? What's that?! Nearly 90 percent of office workers surveyed by Staples this year admitted to showing up on the job even when they knew they were contagious. That's up from last year's findings[1] that 80 percent of employees went to work when they were under the weather.


Their reasoning? They don't want to fall behind. Nearly half -- 45 percent[2] -- said an ever-growing workload convinced them commuting in was the right decision, according to the survey. It's not that they don't know it's not the healthy decision. Compared to last year, more employees said they understand how long the flu is contagious for, where germs congregate in the office and how long the virus can live on those shared surfaces. Still, sick coworkers are coughing and sneezing -- and infecting others -- in cubicles all over the country.


In addition to spreading germs, sick workers also aren't doing the bottom line any favors. If you're not feeling so hot, you'll probably be less productive than a typical day at the office anyway, a phenomenon known as presenteeism that ends up costing employers more than if you just took the day off[3] , WebMD reported.


When deciding whether or not you're too sick to head into the office, ask yourself how you would feel if a co-worker showed up in your condition[4] . If your symptoms are on the less repulsive end of the spectrum, consider how productive you'll be, how clearly you're thinking and whether or not that cloudy head could put others' safety or jobs at risk.


Of course, some workers find it financially impossible to take a day off[5] . The U.S. doesn't guarantee a single paid sick day[6] , while countries including Germany, Switzerland and Australia will comp five, HuffPost Business reported.


Employers can help set a good example by taking sick days their individual companies may offer and encouraging sick workers to tackle to-do lists from elsewhere if it really can't wait.


"In today's technologically advanced world, there is little need for office workers to be physically in their cubes while sick[7] ," Suzanne Lucas writes for Inc. "We'd all be a lot less sick if we stayed home when we were sick."



Earlier on HuffPost:




Loading Slideshow...



  • Assuming The Vaccine Is All You Need


    While the flu shot is generally considered your best line of defense, it's not <em>guaranteed</em> protection. "The current influenza vaccine is good, but not perfect," says Tosh. Think of the flu shot like a seatbelt, he says. Vaccinating doesn't mean you <em>can't</em> get the flu, but the outcome will likely be better if you do. "It is possible people who have been vaccinated and get influenza will have less severe disease," says Tosh, so there's no excuse to skip the shot. But you should also take other measures to make sure you <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/15/cold-flu-prevention-natural-immune-boosters_n_2474430.html">stay healthy this season</a>, like getting adequate sleep, maintaining a regular exercise routine, avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth and drinking lots of water.




  • Covering Your Sneeze With Your Hands


    Sure, it's better than spraying those germs directly into the air above your neighbor's cubicle. But when you sneeze into your hands, chances are you then grab a doorknob or a shared phone or touch a keyboard or shake a coworker's hand -- and pass along whatever bug you're hosting. About a decade ago, public health experts started teaching a a new-and-improved version of cough and sneeze etiquette in schools, says Tosh, namely to cover up with a tissue (and dispose of it promptly), instead of using your hands. When a tissue is out of reach, <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/covercough.htm">go for the crook of your elbow, instead</a>. Even <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zG4hX8TEkAA">Elmo knows</a>!




  • Washing Your Hands In A Hurry


    You already know that hand washing is one of your <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/15/cold-flu-prevention-natural-immune-boosters_n_2474430.html#slide=1984564">best natural defenses against the flu</a> and germs in general. But too many people still aren't scrubbing up to snuff. <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/">Healthy hand washing</a> includes lathering up on all sides, between the fingers and under your nails for at least 20 seconds, or about the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice, according to the CDC's recommendations.




  • Swearing By Antibacterial Soap


    Despite the fact that patients keep requesting antibiotics for their symptoms, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/11/common-flu-myths-busted_n_2451441.html#slide=1968603">colds and flu are spread by <em>viruses</em></a>. And while it's crucial to keep hands clean, expecting an antibacterial soap to protect you is a big mistake. Not only will those suds not prevent you from catching the flu, they may leave "a larger proportion of <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/30/health/30well.html">resistant bacteria</a> behind," according to the New York TImes. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers still make the grade, since they, like regular soap, kill off bacteria more randomly.




  • Pretending You Aren't Sick


    Ignoring that nagging cough or fevery feeling and still going to work or school is a great way to make yourself -- and the people around you -- sicker. You wouldn't want to work in close proximity with someone who has the flu, so don't impose that on your co-workers or classmates. (Not to mention that you're probably <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/15/cold-flu-season-sick-work_n_2124292.html">not doing your best work if you're really feeling lousy</a>.) So when are you allowed back? "If it sounds like they have influenza, people should stay at home until they're no longer having fevers for at least 24 hours," says Tosh.




  • Relying On Vitamin C


    While there's been little research proving that the famed cold-buster can actually prevent you from getting sick, the idea that vitamin C will keep you healthy still lingers. A 2007 review found that the average person <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070718002136.htm">isn't benefitted all that much by a daily vitamin C supplement</a> (although it did protect those under extreme physical stress, like marathon runners). However, it's still an <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/01/14/do-vitamins-c-and-d-prevent-flu/">important nutrient for overall health</a>. Getting your daily dose from a <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/27/vitamin-c-foods_n_1457397.html">variety of fruits and veggies</a> is still a good idea, even if it won't necessarily keep the sniffles away. If you're still not convinced to give up your C supplement, at the very least, taking it shouldn't hurt you. "It's certainly okay if you want to take some vitamins," says Tosh, "but it should not be done instead of taking extra fluids and rest."




  • Guzzling Orange Juice


    You're probably reaching for that OJ for its famed vitamin C, which, you now know, may not be the solution you're hoping for. And while you <em>do</em> want to increase fluid intake to both ward off and recover faster from the flu, juice comes with a lot of empty calories. In fact, too much extra sugar can actually <a href="http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/10-immune-system-busters-boosters">inhibit the immune system</a>, WebMD reported.




  • Panicking


    Headlines like <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/09/flu-outbreak-in-2013-earliest-worst-decade-18-children-dead_n_2440695.html">"Worst Flu Outbreak In A Decade"</a> instill real fear in us. But most otherwise-healthy people will recover just fine from the flu with plenty of rest, fluids and good nutrition, says Tosh. Panic and anxiety won't do anything to keep you healthy; getting vaccinated, drinking extra fluids and listening to your body will. "Rather than panicking, people should focus on what they can do," he says.