Working when Sick
Whilst sometimes you maybe allowed to take time off from work when you are ill, there maybe some times where you will be expected to work even when you are feeling sick. This need to work maybe due to a demanding boss, financial problems that you are having or fear of losing your job. In such situations, it helps to know how to cope when you have a fever and need to work.
A fever can make it difficult for you to concentrate at work and therefore reduce your productivity. If you can then do firstly request your boss for some time off till you get better. If your boss refuses or if you really need to work then use the tips below which can help you learn how to cope when you have a fever and need to work:
Take pills/medicine:
Before you go to work it helps if you take all your medication to ease the symptoms of a fever and help you recover faster. You could start the morning in a very poorly state, but as the day progresses and the medicine begins to work you could end up feeling a lot better.
Sleep well:
The night before you are due to go to work it helps to get as much sound sleep as possible. Go to bed early so that you can ensure you are well rested for the day ahead. You might go to bed in a very bad state but could wake up the next morning in far better shape so it is worth it.
Reduce your hours:
If you are not able to take a whole day off why not ask for reduced hours? This way you are able to spend some time working and then back home to take care of your health. This is helpful for those who work long shifts. The time that you spend at work can be used to complete the necessary tasks that you need to.
Know your limits:
When you have a fever and need to work the last thing you want to do is to push yourself excessively hard. Your mind and body is in a fragile state and so you need to learn your limitations as it can help you cope when you have a fever and need to work. Don't push yourself too hard.
Eat/drink well:
Eating healthy foods can help you recover faster, so be sure to take breaks where you can enjoy healthy food. Soups are particular favourites and not too heavy. You should also remember to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day. Neglecting your diet can make you feel worse so focus on what you will eat during the day.
Power nap:
You can use your break or small gaps in between work to get some rest and re-energize yourself. This can help you cope better because you feel less rushed as you would normally. Ask your boss's permission first though if you think you might get into trouble.
Ask for help:
If you have good rapport with your colleagues, you could request that they to help you out. This could take some of the burden off you and allow you to cope when you have a fever and need to work. Just remember the next time that one of them gets sick you too should be willing to lend a hand.
Motivate yourself:
To get in the right frame of mind when you have a fever and need to work, you need to be able to motivate yourself during the day. Encouraging yourself to look on the positive side of things (no matter how hard it is) can make the day go by much easier. Feeling sorry for yourself isn't going to be useful to you.
Many people turn up for work even when they are feeling sick as they may fear for their jobs or want to impress their boss. Learning how to cope when you have a fever and need to work can make such days much easier for you, so that you can remain productive even when you aren't feeling productive.
