3 Tips for Fighting Flu in the Workplace

Rebecca Mazin
Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:35:00 +0000

Flu spreads fast in the workplace. Small business can be hit hard by an expanding outbreak that results in damaging downtime. Employers can apply preventive measures to stop, or at least reduce, the incidence of influenza.

Get Flu Shots

It's not too late to get a flu shot, and vaccine supplies this year seem to be keeping pace with demand. Providing flu shots at work can be a popular option that won't drain your wallet. The cost is easily recouped with a reduction in lost-time days.

A local provider can recommend a health professional who will administer inoculations at a convenient time. Host a health fair to tackle more than a seasonal illness with other informative booths or sessions. These are popular any time of the year and serve as a good reminder outside of the usual information flood during open enrollment.

If the sight of needles at a desk makes you squeamish, a bit of research will identify a list of nearby locations for flu shots. Include specifics about benefits plan coverage in your communications. Most employer benefit plans will cover the flu shot cost at 100 percent, but make certain this is information is correct before you press send on an email blast.

Create a Culture of Hand Washing

Effective hand washing is one of the surest ways to minimize the spread of germs. Posters, training, and graphic reminders can all be incorporated into a workplace wellness program that encourages healthy habits. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has a wealth of employer information in a section devoted to business planning as part of a website dedicated to the illness: www.flu.gov. The Centers for Disease Prevention also provides colorful, clear materials as part of its Ounce of Prevention campaign.

Send Sick Employees Home

When staff members turn up at work coughing and flush with fever, don't hesitate to send them home. The action is in the best interest of your entire staff as well as the sick employee. Explain that they need to take the time to get healthy -- work can wait. Remind the individual of any sick days that are available or let them burn some unused vacation or paid time off.

Employees climb out of their warm bed, particularly in tough times, because they fear repercussions as the result of missing a few days. You don't have to guarantee permanent employment to state,"I appreciate the effort, but it's clear that your cough, sniffles and possibly fever are making it tough for you to do your work and create the potential to infect co-workers and customers."

Take proactive steps now to fight flu; your actions will be rewarded with fewer sick days and a healthier New Year.