Because of the swine flu pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued guidelines for businesses that have prompted some employers to allow workers to telecommute when sick in order to keep the H1N1 flu virus from spreading. The CDC encourages businesses to make telework options available, if possible, for both sick employees and parents of children affected by swine flu or by schools closures due to swine flu.
Decide when to telecommute.
Getty/photodisc
But when you're sick, with the swine flu or not, the last thing you may want to do is work from home...or from anywhere. So when should you telecommute and when should you take a sick day? Sometimes it's clear that you need to take a sick day, but other times you might be tempted to tough it out and go to the office. This is the time to consider telecommuting.
Of course, the first thing you'll need to telecommute is permission from your employer and a job that can be done remotely. If you've got this, here are some reasons to consider telecommuting when sick rather than taking a sick day:
Of course, the first thing you'll need to telecommute is permission from your employer and a job that can be done remotely. If you've got this, here are some reasons to consider telecommuting when sick rather than taking a sick day:
Feeling better but possibly still contagious.
The CDC swine flu guidelines say: "Workers who have symptoms of influenza-like illness are recommended to stay home and not come to work until at least 24 hours after their fever has resolved."So if your fever is gone, you may still be home for at least a day. If you feel up to it, this might be the time to telecommute. The same might be true of strep throat or other illnesses treated with antibiotics. Ask your doctor when you are no longer contagious.
