Feeling sick?

"In the current economic environment, employees may feel the need more than ever to go beyond the call of duty and work through an infectious illness," said Chris Hannant, policy director for the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC).

"But this is not the way to make a positive impression".

The BCC survey, carried out with medicine maker Benylin, found that 73 percent of bosses think employees should stay at home and recover when they fall sick, with more than four out of five believing that poorly staff are less productive.

They were also concerned about the "domino effect" where a sick employee comes to work and spreads their germs to other staff.

However a separate poll of British workers found many are worried or feel guilty about taking a day off sick, with 57 percent saying they would have to be severely ill before deciding to stay at home.

Those working in the banking sector on average took the fewest number of days off sick in the last year, followed by staff in the hotel and restaurant industry.

"Given the gap between employer and employee views, the findings suggest that there needs to be a bit more common sense about taking sick leave when you're ill and maybe employers need to spell this out more clearly," Hannant said.

When you're feeling ill, do you take the day off, or does guilt get the better of you and force you to your desk? Let us know in the box below.