Feeling under the weather? Not sure whether or not you should go into the office? Here are some tips for you and your employees as to when to push through and when to stay home.
It happens to the best of us—you feel a little sluggish when going to bed, only to wake up with a fever, sore throat and headache. You’re disappointed that you don’t feel well and are conflicted about whether to stay home from work. But you have a deadline on a big project, and so many other tasks require your attention.
No need to fret; a bit of practical common sense can lead you to make the right decision regarding whether to take the day off. Consider the following stipulations when determining if you need to spend the day in bed resting.
- Are you able to successfully complete your job duties? If you are too ill, you will not be able to accomplish what you need to throughout the day. Consider staying home until you feel well enough to perform better.
- Is your illness contagious? If you have been diagnosed with a viral or bacterial illness, you can infect your co-workers. Consider staying home to contain your illness until you are no longer contagious.
- Will a little rest do you good? If you run yourself ragged when you are already feeling under the weather, you will only make your condition worse. Consider staying home until your body has a chance to fight off the illness.
- How will medications interfere with your abilities? Some medications, such as opiates, can cause drowsiness, dizziness and other side effects that make driving and operating heavy machinery dangerous. If you are taking medications for your illness that could adversely affect your ability to drive to work and safely complete job tasks, stay at home until you are no longer taking the medications.
Other Issues to Consider
The following are other points to consider when deciding whether to stay home:
- The common cold and flu are at their most contagious within the first two days after symptoms begin.
- Sitting at a desk for long hours can be just as strenuous on your body as the hard labor of bending and lifting.
- Resting for a day or two will aid in reducing a fever over 100.3 degrees, especially when it is accompanied by muscle aches, runny nose, headache, sore throat, fatigue and a cough.