Sick Daze The effect of absenteeism on workplace productivity is well-documented. But a related phenomenon can impact employee performance: presenteeism. The term describes the practice of coming to work ill and functioning below your peak, explains Dr Iris Greenwald, a Canadian family physician: “Maybe you don’t think your productivity has decreased,” she says.  So, why does presenteeism occur? “People feel they can’t miss work for financial reasons, don’t want to let people down or are worried about job security,” Greenwald says. A study by Cornell University suggests most of the cost to businesses when employees get sick is related to lower productivity. And workers who show up sick must also understand that they’re putting colleagues at risk of getting sick and possibly having to miss work themselves. “Presenteeism,” Greenwald says, “appears to be a contributing factor to absenteeism.” Her tips: Watch out for ill co-workers, wash your hands frequently to avoid picking up their germs and take a sick day when you’re under the weather. Your recovery—and your office’s productivity—will be the better for it. - Stuart Foxman Say what? Typos and grammatical errors are the most common mistakes creative professionals make on their résumés, according to a Canadian survey. So if you’re job-hunting, these examples of résumé gaffes should prove that two eyes are better than one spell-checker: "Languages: English and Spinach." "I was the company’s liaison with the  sock exchange." "I prefer a fast-paste work environment." "I’m attacking my résumé for you to  review." "My work ethics are impeachable." View Archives