Some two out of three full-time workers claim they have been poorly in the last year because of co-workers who refused to stay at home.
This was a rise from just one in six who blamed unwell colleagues for their coughs, colds and stomach bugs the previous year.
And three quarters of Britons admitted going into work when they should have taken some time off.
Experts say the dramatic increase of workers blaming their colleagues comes in the wake of evidence of growing job security fears.
The annual Fisherman`s Friend Cold and Flu survey also found nearly 65 per cent became ill once or twice as a result of poorly colleagues.
While one in eight attributed four or more bouts of illness to unwell workmates.
Workers in the environmental and agricultural sector were found to be most likely to blame sick colleagues for their ailments, on average being made unwell by colleagues at least three times.
By contrast, those in the media and internet sectors appeared to be more considerate when it comes to spreading germs, with workers on average reporting just 1.22 spells of sickness caused by colleagues.
Female workers also reported being ill as a result of poorly workmates more often than males, 71 per cent compared to three in five.
Workers in East Anglia were found to be most likely to face the effects of a poorly colleague, with one in seven attributing at least one bout of sickness to a co-worker.
While Yorkshire and the Humber was found to be the region least likely to spread ailments within the office.
Fisherman`s Friend spokesman Rob Metcalfe said: `Making up the second part of our annual Cold and Flu Survey, our new findings come hot on the heels of data showing that concerns over job security and not wanting to let colleagues down are making workers struggle on even when ill.
`It`s logical, therefore, that we have also found a striking increase in workers attributing the spread of coughs and colds to each other.
`However, if we are determined to battle on regardless through bouts of cold and flu then it`s important people manage their symptoms effectively to avoid spreading illnesses further.`
Adults blame their poorly colleagues for their coughs, colds and stomach bugs
21 November 2016
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Adults are blaming their workmates for passing on their illnesses more than ever before, a survey has found.
