With unemployment figures showing no improvement, workers can’t be blamed for going the extra mile to try to keep their jobs, like showing up even if they don’t feel well. Who can blame them? In this economy, what conscientious worker is going to take a day off, unless it’s absolutely necessary?

The latest regional and state unemployment rates remain high, with the national unemployment rate up to 9.8 percent in September, a 0.1 percentage point jump from August, and 3.6 points higher than September 2008. Who can blame workers for worrying about their livelihoods?

Still, with increased concerns and awareness about swine flu, it may not be such a good idea to go to work unless you’re feeling 100 percent. A recent survey shows that employees don’t want their colleagues to come to work with any flu-like symptoms. And if you do go to work looking ill, chances are a colleague will report you to a supervisor.

Ninety-one percent of Americans say they want their co-workers to remain at home if they are infected with the H1N1 flu virus. If you are considering going to work with the flu or symptoms of, 83 percent of co-workers say they are likely to inform a colleague or management about someone in the workplace whom they think might be showing symptoms of the flu.

“As the number of people infected with H1N1 continues to grow, parallel fear escalates and the potential for mob mentality begins to take shape,” said Rob Ireland, partner at Mansfield Communications Inc., which conducted the survey. “By having clear and definitive H1N1 policies & procedures in place and by becoming a trusted source of related information, leading companies can truly take care of their greatest asset — their employees.”

According to the survey of 2,029 Americans conducted from October 5-11, 2009, 69 percent of workers said they had received no communication about policies in the workplace pertaining to H1N1. The poll also found that a large majority (84 percent) of American workers believe the recession creates more pressure to show up for work, even if they are feeling sick.

These findings indicate awareness about the serious nature of the virus is on the rise as workers show concern for containing the spread of H1N1.

“Employers need to be vigilant in maintaining open communication with their employees during flu season and monitoring employee compliance with the organization’s sick leave policy,” said Ireland.

If you need help with establishing such a policy, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website dedicated to helping businesses respond to H1N1, www.pandemicflu.gov/professional/business/toolkit.html.

The CDC says the workplace may act as a “point of spread,” where employees can easily spread flu to their fellow employees as well as to others in the community. It says the flu can have a major impact on business operations, causing workers to stay home because they are sick or because they need to care for sick family members.

The CDC’s guidance provides action steps that business owners, managers, and employees can take to minimize the effect of flu in the workplace.

It advises all employees to stay home if they are sick until at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever (100º F or 38º C) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, has a flushed appearance, or is sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medicines.

Businesses should review their policies and practices to consider ways to allow flexibility for employees to stay home when they are sick, especially with their understandable concerns about keeping their jobs and the high unemployment rate.

Thanks and good luck. Stay well.