How to stay fully staffed when sickness and holidays overlap

November and December test every planner’s flexibility. Sick calls, shifting schedules, and holiday requests come all at once — and the pressure builds fast. You can’t prevent the changes, but you can stay in control of them.

1. Plan for change, not perfection 

Perfect planning doesn’t exist. Someone will always cancel or get sick. What matters is how quickly you can adapt. Build flexibility into your schedule — a few standby workers, slightly overlapping shifts, or a small buffer can save you hours later.

2. Keep one clear overview 

Scattered messages lead to confusion. Keep schedules, changes, and communication in one place. When everyone works with the same, updated information, problems get solved faster — and stress levels drop.

3. Communicate early and simply 

When things change, let everyone know quickly and clearly. Short, direct updates prevent misunderstandings and last-minute chaos. People don’t expect perfection; they just want clarity.

4. Protect your team’s energy 

Flu season doesn’t just mean absences — it means fatigue. Balance workloads, monitor overtime, and make sure your team has room to rest. A calm team is a reliable team.

From chaos to calm 

You can’t stop illnesses or holiday requests, but you can stay in control. With visibility, flexibility, and clear communication, even the busiest season becomes manageable.

Want to spend less time firefighting and more time planning ahead? 
Discover how CrewPlanner helps you keep control — even when the flu season hits.