'Presenteeism' Is Not Your Fault: Why Workers Come to Work Sick

February 25, 2016

Twenty-three percent of American workers were laid off during the Great Recession, according to according to data from the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University, but 79 percent of workers knew someone who was laid off – a family member, friend, spouse, etc. That’s a whole lot of people who know, firsthand, that there’s no such thing as job security in the 21st century.

In an economic environment like that, it’s no wonder if workers are scared to do anything that might annoy the boss – even if the boss is likely to be more annoyed later on by the fact that the whole team is now down with the flu because no one will stay home.

PayScale Human Capital, Feb. 25

Recent Posts

“Work Trends RU” Podcast with Gov. Murphy

Heldrich Center for Workforce Development has launched its new podcast series, "Work Trends RU," exploring the changing worlds of work, education, social policy, and financial security. The series covers a variety of issues, including the contemporary workforce,...

New Jersey Micromobility Guide – Bike Ped Resource Center

From NJ Bicycle and Pedestrian Resource Center New Jersey Micromobility Guide (2025) The New Jersey Micromobility Guide serves as a resource for micromobility users across the state, collecting and summarizing the laws and safety best practices that can make riders...

Gov. Murphy Proclaims May NJ Walk and Bike Month

From New Jersey Safe Routes to School Celebrate Bike Month and New Jersey Walk and Bike to School Month this May Governor Phil Murphy has proclaimed May as Bike Month and New Jersey Walk and Bike to School Month. Go outside to get some exercise and enjoy the beautiful...

From Public Health Research to Real-World Impact

From Public Health Research to Real-World Impact: A Conversation with Melinda Rushing In our final episode of EJB Talks for this semester, Dean Stuart Shapiro speaks with Professor Melinda Rushing, a new faculty member in the school's health administration program....

New Jersey State Policy Lab Annual Report

As the New Jersey State Policy Lab (NJSPL) reaches its fourth anniversary, it is my honor to serve as the Executive Director, working with an incredible team of dedicated professionals to better understand and investigate policy issues impacting the state. The NJSPL...