New Word Alert: Presenteeism - going to work sick:

Researchers at Cornell University in the US have completed a rare study* into the economic effects of working while ill, or "presenteeism".

After looking at 375,000 workers, the authors found that presentees cost their employers $255 (£144) a year.

But how much does absenteeism cost?

CCH, a US consultancy that tracks absenteeism across the US, reckons that taking time off does cost investors far more - an average of $645 a year.

I'll take a presentee over an absentee any time.