Holiday time is always a whirlwind, but throw flu season into the mix, and you have a recipe for workplace disaster. No matter what your industry, being sick takes a toll on your performance. When it comes to our business, being a full-service agency, we must make sure our clients are being taken care of even when we have staff out sick. Here are five ways to stay on top of things at work when your immune system brings you down:

1)   Anticipate: Keep the server up-to-date. While you’re out, someone may need a file on your computer. Make sure you’re keeping the server updated with all of your files in an organized fashion. Here, we like to separate folders by client, then by job number.

2)   Communication is key. Even though you feel terrible, it is crucial you tell your coworkers, clients and maybe everyone else that you are out sick. Put an out-of-office message with contact information on your email and phone, so people know who to reach. Don’t leave everyone hanging just because you don’t feel well. Pass clients along to those who can help them get what they need.

3)   Wear multiple hats. Whether you are the sick one, or the one in the office avoiding getting sick, everyone must wear multiple hats. While you may be at home and too sick to attend meetings, you may be able to make copy edits, update spreadsheets, write a few blog and social media posts, etc. Make the most of your time out and do what you can do be productive (if you are able to, of course).

4)   Be over-prepared. That first day out, you may not touch any work. But if you’re out sick for days at a time, you may start feeling antsy. Make lists, check in with your coworkers, review your emails and make sure you know where all of your projects stand. Even though you’re out of the office, you can still keep track of what’s going on with certain campaigns/projects.

5)   REST in order to get better sooner. Last, but certainly not least, you must rest in order to get better – and not infect everyone else in the office! If you are up to working, make sure you balance work with rest. Let the sickness run its course, and do what you can from home.

At CPV, many of us caught some form of illness over the past month. Through cooperation, we were able to work through it and keep our clients’ projects on track. But man, are we looking forward to the flu season ending!