You gotta play hurt. Workers forgo sick days

A nationwide poll conducted by Monster.com found that 71 percent of people show up at work when they're sick despite concerns about swine flu.

Fear of losing a job during a recession can outweigh health issues, Monster.com suggested in a press release.

With a big presence in Maynard, Monster.com is a global online career and recruitment resource and the flagship brand of Monster Worldwide Inc.

Monster said that its Monster Meter sick-bay poll was conducted over a one week period from May 11 through May 18, and that nearly 12,000 US visitors to the Monster.com website participated in the survey.

"Of those who go to work sick, 33 percent fear losing their job if they take a sick day, while 38 percent admit their workload is too busy to take a day off from work even when they are ill," Norma Gaffin, director of career content at Monster.com, said in a statement.

Monster's website includes an advice column, and a recent column focused on the "Top 10 Most Annoying Work Habits." Authored by Jen Star of the Jennifer Group, a New Yorky-based recruiting firm, the column said that "going into work sick" rated number six on the list, Monster noted in its press release.

Monster.com has alliances with many media companies, including Globe parent The New York Times Co., to sell help-wanted advertising.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)