Working When You're Sick Is Bad News for Everyone

Flu season is here, which means over the next few months, far too many of us are going to come to the office sick. We’ll feel guilty about missing a day of work and pressured to finish that all-important project on time. 

Been there. Done that.

But you know what?  Knowingly bringing flu germs into the workplace is both dumb and inconsiderate. Not only are you making yourself worse by trekking in when you should be under the covers resting, but you're also putting all of your colleagues -- and their families -- at risk for catching your illness. And when that flu virus starts bouncing its way from worker to worker, everyone's productivity goes down.

Here are a few tips on how to handle your next bout with the flu:

• Take a Sick Day: Can't that project wait until tomorrow? Don't you have a bank of unused sick time you can tap into?
• Work from Home: If you absolutely must work when you're sick, ask your supervisor if you can do so from the comforts of your living room or home office -- with a bowl of soup nearby.
• Hide in Your Cubicle: Germs spread easily, so if staying home just isn't an option, do your best to minimize contact with your colleagues while you're under the weather. Postpone all nonessential meetings, bow out of your usual group lunch in the cafeteria and avoid handshakes. 

And one last reminder before I go: Get your flu shot. Your colleagues really don't want your germs.

Got any other tips for handling the flu and your job? Post them below.

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