It’s that time of year again, when we start to hear coughing, sniffling and sneezing around the office and everyone starts to panic because no one wants to get sick, especially with the flu!
When is flu season?
Flu season begins in October and ends as late as May, however the peak season is happening now through February, so it’s especially important to start educating and providing your employees with prevention and treatment tips to avoid spreading the germs in your office. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year the flu results in 17 million lost work days and costs businesses nearly $7 billion in sick days and lost productivity.
However, there are many actions you can take to prevent the spread of the virus in your workplace.
- Host a Flu Vaccination Clinic
To reduce absenteeism and loss in productivity, employers frequently offer onsite flu vaccinations. Hosting a flu shot clinic at work supports the overall goal of wellness by allowing employees the chance to get vaccinated and a chance to educate them about the importance of hygiene during the flu season.
- Keeping the Workplace Healthy
Hygiene is extremely important during the flu season. Common areas where employees gather like kitchens or lounges should be sanitized more frequently during flu season. It is important to clean commonly touched surfaces such as doorknobs, shared computers or workspaces, and water fountains.
- Educate Employees on Healthy Habits
Knowledge is power. As an employer, it would be beneficial to offer seminars, post educational posters, record educational videos or email blast employees during the flu season to encourage healthy hygiene and cough etiquette. Informed employees make better decisions about staying home and protecting themselves during the season. Some basic tips you can share with your employees:
- Stay home if you have a fever and respiratory symptoms
- Wash your hands frequently
- Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough and sneeze into your upper sleeve
- Provide tissues and hand sanitizer at each work station
- Clean desk area frequently
- Promote healthy eating and physical activity
These proactive solutions may improve your attendance and productivity this flu season. For more information on creating a culture of health at your organization with Innovative’s Workplace Wellness, contact our Wellness Department here.
