The traditional flu season spans between October and March, with the peak months normally experienced in December and January. It is a period in which employees are most likely to transmit and experience the symptoms of the flu virus which, depending on the particular strain that is most prevalent at the time, can be very serious and impactful. For an employer this is a very difficult time of the year when absenteeism is felt the most. Lost work hours caused by flu can be very damaging in terms of productivity, costs and workplace morale, but there is plenty an employer can do to manage this situation. 

One thing that helps an employer manage a flu outbreak is that the flu season is very predictable, they know when it is coming and therefore should know how to safeguard employees and the business from the most extreme impacts. But there are still many mistakes made by employers, and here we have put together the most commonly found: 

1. Not discouraging attendance

While any employer is hell bent on maintaining good levels of productivity and managing every last detail that contributes to bottom line results, this should not be to the detriment of the health and wellbeing of the workforce. This means that employees who feel sick and are displaying symptoms of flu should not be encouraged to come to work, where they can transmit germs and where their performance could be under par, and in some cases unsafe. In some businesses a culture develops where employees feel they will be looked down upon, or even discriminated against, if they phone in sick, and hence they feel pressurised into attending work even when they feel sick with the flu. A good employer should not encourage ‘presenteeism’ and should acknowledge that rest is essential for employees suffering from the flu, and they should have the view that this will be for the long term benefit of both the employee and the business.  

2. Poor workplace hygiene

Promoting good hygiene standards in the workplace is the best way to reduce the likelihood of flu virus transmission. This means providing hand sanitiser and good handwashing facilities, but also means having a robust schedule for commercial cleaners. This should include daily cleaning and sanitising of surfaces and shared equipment such as telephones, keyboards and photocopiers, as well as cleaning touchpoints in high traffic areas, such as light switches, door handles and handrails. The employer also has a role to play in spacing and social distancing, so people aren’t always in congested and high traffic areas. Finally, the business should ensure the workplace has good ventilation to provide clean air and good movement of air, and ideally this should include an air conditioning system, which continually improves air quality by replenishing old, stale air with fresh, clean air.  

3. Not promoting support for employees

A business needs to have strong policies in place for sickness and absence so that employees feel supported if they have to take time off. There should also be a process of phased return if someone has experienced bad flu symptoms and while they would no longer transmit the virus, they may not yet be able to fully perform their normal functions. The employer can also support employees by offering flexible working patterns, meaning employees can contribute from home or can make up hours lost at a later date. This encourages them to stay at home and not attend work if they are suffering from flu. Video calls and other remote working practices can also help with this.  

4. Poor communications

The employer needs to be vocal and visual about its sickness policies but also about the importance of flu prevention. If there are hand washing policies in place, make sure everyone knows about them. The same is true if the employer offers flu vouchers and flu vaccinations. Educate people on the benefits of these and how a healthy lifestyle can prevent the symptoms of flu. A balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle can boost the immune system and reduce the chances of picking up the flu virus, and a good business will be promoting this.   

5. No preventive measures

Flu vaccinations are the most effective way to reduce the spread of flu and to reduce the symptoms of flu if you have contracted the virus. A good business will offer a programme of flu vaccinations on site whereby all employees have the opportunity to have the vaccination during working hours, or will offer flu vouchers so that an employee can have the vaccination at a date to suit them. This promotes good health and hygiene and is an effective safeguard against flu. The flu virus mutates and the annual vaccination is always designed to fight against the very latest strain that is active. 

Effective management of the flu virus in your workplace with FluClinic2You

At FluClinic2You we can deliver a fast and effective flu vaccination programme on site for your employees. We can also offer a flu voucher service to help your employees get vaccinated at a local centre at their convenience. We can tailor our service to meet your needs and in a practical, convenient and cost-effective way, so contact our team at FluClinic2You today.