Career Advice & News Center

It's become nearly impossible to discuss the labor market, salary expectations, job security and other employment trends without suggesting that developments in these areas are inextricably linked to the unpredictable direction of the economy attempting to pull itself out of a recession.

Given this link, employed individuals are feeling more optimistic in the current economic climate, but seem to be taking extra precautions this winter to enhance their job security by staying healthy during cough, cold and flu season, and missing less work.

These conclusions were made in a recent report by WorkPlace Media, entitled the January 2010 Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey.

As one may expect, the report revealed that Americans with jobs are more confident in the economy than those who are unemployed. About one-third of jobholders are optimistic about pulling out of the recession, compared to just 30 percent of jobless adults.

Intuitively, a steady paycheck and consistent income has given those who make the morning commute each day a more positive economic outlook.

However, while there was just a slim margin between the two groups' confidence in the economy, the WorkPlace Media report found that employed Americans purchase cough, cold and flu medication on a weekly basis about 28 percent more often than those without jobs.

"Employed Americans have always depended on their ability to remain on the go, even during the cough, cold and flu season," said Stephanie Molnar, WorkPlace Media's CEO.

She added, "As a result, the workplace has become a target for concern about the spread of illness during the winter months."

The attentiveness of employees to staying healthy and in the office may be related to preserving a workplace image with their boss.

According to employment expert and author Lynn Taylor, U.S. employees spend an average of 19.2 hours each week worrying about their boss' impression of them.