Hundreds of thousands of workers are expected to call in sick today, on the worst day of the year for absenteeism.

Experts say post-christmas blues and poor weather mean that the first monday in February is the day staff are most likely to take an unofficial day off. Surveys suggest that around 310,000 workers will take a "sickie" today. At an estimated cost of £27 million to industry.

I think some U.S companies and maybe some forward thinking U.K companies, allow for a small number of "duvet days" or "personal days". Whereby staff can phone in on the day [workload permitting] and say they can't face work that day. Well words to that effect anyway. A really good idea I think.

In need of a "pick me up?". Massage can stimulate or calm the nervous system-depending upon what is required by the individual-and thus help reduce fatigue, leaving the reciever with a feeling of replenished energy. At its best, massage has the potential to restore the individual physically, mentally and spiritually.