The leaves are starting to change, the night air is getting crisper, and before you know it, the holiday season will be approaching. Though this is a great time for reuniting with friends and family, it is a tough time of year for business communications – in particular the business of healthcare. As healthcare professionals are planning to take time off, hospital censuses are climbing and clinic waiting rooms are getting full. This puts much more stress on the staff that is present when you are taking time off. Here are some tips to follow when planning on taking time off this holiday season to make sure to keep your co-workers happy.
- Notify management in writing ASAP to get formal approval for your time off.
- Inform your scheduler of your time off once you have formal approval. Schedules are often put in place two months in advance.
- If you know being out of the office will cause too much strain on your co-workers, request temporary staff while gone.
- Have a plan in advance for who will take over each of your responsibilities while gone, and have helpful information/tips in writing for them.
- Be ready to pick up the slack when your co-workers are out of the office too!
Seasonal tip – It’s time for the FLU SHOT! According the CDC everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu shot.
