U.K. Workers Calling In Sick to Play Videogames

[Zac_Dai]

The study said an estimated $11.5 billion is lost through people who call in sick unnecessarily, $1.6 billion of which is caused by videogaming alone.

Interestingly in 2008 alone $43 billion was gained by the economy in unpaid overtime so it all balances out nicely.

Not surprised people use sick days for gaming, good way to relieve stress and mental health is just as important as physical.

 

[PedroSteckecilo]

Conveniently for me I caught a nasty bacterial infection the day before Dragon Age came out and was subsequently told by my doctor to stay home from work. Hence nothing better for me to do BUT stay home and vidya game.

 

[EvilestDeath]

Ha, ya I skipped school for three days during the Modern Warfare 2 launch.

 

[Dudeakoff]

I'd take those figures on how much sickies cost the economy with a bucket of salt.

 

[qbanknight]

nice

 

[are.you.the.god.its.me.vader]

Why stay in?

Take your handheld to work!

....and get fired.

 

[Simalacrum]

Hurray, we're lazy!

Oh noes, I think I'm comming down with a feaver... *cough*

 

[aequidens]

Just because you're down with a flu or something, doesn't mean you can't hold a controller, I've spent sick days playing slow turn-based stuff, or watching movies, I'm usually more of an action player. Just because you're sick, doesn't mean you can't do anything, I'd die out of boredom if I didn't do this.
Also, catching up on sleep is just preventing yourself from getting sick, and is a perfectly valid reason to call in sick for sometimes.

 

[Spudgun Man]

I know someone just like this.

 

[The_root_of_all_evil]

*cough* *cough* I'm sure no-one at the Escapist would EVER do that as well.

 

[Chipperz]

Why stay in?

Take your handheld to work!

....and get fired.

You only get fired if you're shit at hiding it. I managed to almost complete Dungeons and Dragons on the PSP when I was working on the front desk at probation (I aint saying which one ) I even had the wires trailing out of my desk drawer to keep it charged!

 

[Plinglebob]

Why stay in?

Take your handheld to work!

....and get fired.

Or just be good at your job. I used to work at a call centre and when I played my DS, I managed 150% work output, but when they tried to stop me, my efficiency suddenly dropped to 100%.

 

[Bernzz]

And in other news, Fox News blames videogames for causing America's debt.

I can see it happening.


On topic, I have to admit I could see myself doing that.