By Erin Conroy of The Associated Press

February 6, 2009

A recent telephone survey by International Communications Research found that about 45 percent of employees frequently show up to work sick, although managers believe only 17 percent do so. The survey included 2,000 adults and 150 senior executives at the nation's 1,000 largest companies.

Staffing company OfficeTeam, a unit of Robert Half International Inc., offers these tips to avoid having ill employees clock in:

♦Communicate expectations. Let staff know you prefer they stay home when they're sick to ensure a quicker recovery and avoid infecting others.

♦Set an example. Sick employees are more likely to stay home if you do.

♦Give options. Allowing employees to work from home can help them stay productive without spreading illness around the office.

♦Offer help. Bring in temporary professionals to keep projects on track when employees are out sick for more than a day or two.

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