How to survive a sick day at work

Wishing you were home in bed instead of stuck behind your desk? Sometimes no matter how badly you want to crawl under the covers, you’re required to be at work. Here are a few tips for keeping your colleagues from getting what you have, and for surviving the entire workday.

Prioritize tasks

Chances are you’re not firing on all cylinders when you’re feeling ill. So, start the day by listing your duties in the order of importance. Decide what you absolutely need to get done that day and what can wait until you’re feeling better. That way when the day is done, you’ll know that you completed what was necessary, making for a productive day.

Be considerate

Your colleagues may giggle when you show up to the office with Clorox wipes, Lysol, and hand sanitizer, but they’ll be thankful when your preparedness keeps them from getting sick. Keep your workspace sanitized as well as any common areas you come in contact with (for example, the microwave). Also, just because you’re under the weather doesn’t mean common courtesy and manners should go by the wayside. Excuse yourself when blowing your nose instead of doing so while your coworker is on a conference call.

Stop complaining

When you arrive to work and you’re sick, chances are your colleagues will figure out immediately that you’re not your old self. There’s no need to remind everyone every 15 minutes of how sick you are. Keep your condition to yourself and get through the day. Others will appreciate it if you’re able to power through and despite your illness, hold up your end of the bargain at the office.

Wendy Moody

Wendy Moody

Wendy Moody is a Senior Editor with CUInsight.com. Wendy works with the editorial team to help edit the content including current news, press releases, jobs and events. She keeps ... Web: www.cuinsight.com Details