Each year, American workers miss 100 million workdays due to the flu alone. There’s a trace of irony in that number: Many of those days wouldn’t have to be lost if those who were sick stayed home, preventing the transfer of germs and viruses within the office.

For many Americans, staying home from work when sick isn’t always an easy decision. A recent survey by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that one in three U.S. employees doesn’t have paid sick leave. By simply planning ahead, it may be possible to help prevent the spread of the flu and other illnesses with initiatives that encourage sick staff to avoid working in the office.

Attempting to work when seriously ill isn’t the best idea. But there are times when an employee might feel well enough to work, but is still contagious and battling symptoms. Developing a plan to work from home during such times can help an employee recover without taking time off while preventing the spread of germs among co-workers.