In case you’re lucky enough not to know, cold and flu season is here. You may have already gotten sick or have had a few cancellations due to clients being ill. It’s just that time of year and there’s no escaping it. Besides the general yuckiness of it all, as therapists and business owners, there’s a different aspect of this situation to think about as well: What do you do if you or your clients fall ill? Are you flexible in your cancellation policy? Do you tough it out if you’re not feeling 100%? We’ve opened up a discussion on the community and we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Here are our top tips for making it through flu season as painlessly as possible:
Stay well.
Here are our top tips for making it through flu season as painlessly as possible:
- Take preventative measures. Weather this means getting your flu shot, doubling down on the anti-bacterial or chugging your Vitamin C. Prevention is key!
- Know what you can handle. It’s not always easy to take a sick day but pushing yourself when you’re sick will only make things worse and prolong your recovery. Listen to your body and take time off when you need it.
- Have a sick policy (stated or unstated). Most of us have a 24 hour cancellation policy, but do you really want someone spreading their germs to you and the rest of your clients because they didn’t make the cancellation cutoff? I try to be a little more flexible about this and my immune system is thankful for it.
- Have a backup plan. If you need to cancel a day, prepare to offer alternative appointments or phone sessions in case there is an emergency. If you’ll be out for a while, plan for a backup therapist if a new client absolutely can’t wait.
Stay well.