BBC - h2g2 - How To Understand Statistics via Ars Technica
Fun with statistics on a Friday! The best quote:
Common sense can cloud statistical results. For instance, a technology firm discovered that 40% of all sick days were taken on a Friday or a Monday. They immediately clamped down on sick leave before they realised their mistake. Forty per cent represents two days out of a five day working week and therefore is a normal spread, rather than a reflection of swathes of feckless opportunists trying to extend their weekends.
Thank god no one said that 100% of sick days are taken during the work week. We might have had no sick days ever again.
Posted by Ted Stevko at August 1, 2003 02:09 PM | TrackBackSpeaking as an employee, I take all my sick days on Monday or Friday. Maybe they better look at the numbers again?
Posted by: Monkeyspit at August 1, 2003 02:12 PM