The COVID-19 pandemic significantly re-shaped how businesses prioritised workplace health and wellbeing, but in truth, programmes such as workplace flu clinics were already increasing in popularity in the late 2010s, as employers learnt that investing in the health of their workforce not only safeguarded them, but also positively impacted on business performance. Workplace health monitoring, such as on-site flu vaccinations, is not mandatory, but does form an important part of an employer’s duty of care to protect their employees.  

Flu is one of the most common causes of workplace absenteeism in the UK, and is estimated to cost the economy over £1 billion in lost working days each year. The knock-on effect of this is a loss of productivity and operational efficiency, which can be hugely damaging to an employer. According to Government statistics the flu vaccine averted between 96,000 and 120,200 possible hospitalisations in 2024, which were directly due to influenza (flu). This highlights how a proactive vaccine programme can be an important tool for an employer in managing workplace health and wellbeing. Here we have listed the key reasons why every employer should offer corporate flu vaccinations via an organised programme. 

The benefits of corporate flu vaccinations

Businesses can benefit from a programme of workplace flu jabs for all employees in many different ways: 

  • Responsible employer 

The public image of a business is very important, and being seen as a caring and responsible employer that looks after its workforce can be good for the profile of the business. Essentially you are supporting public health efforts and working to protect the vulnerable members of society. This can be woven into your public image and the benefits package of what you can offer potential employees, which ultimately leads to a better quality of employee being attracted to the business.  

  • Reduce absenteeism 

People affected by the symptoms of flu, even in a mild form, find it very hard to focus, to be alert and function normally, in both a physical and mental sense. Regardless of the specific nature of a person’s job, having flu is not conducive with optimum performance at work, and therefore people ordinarily phone in sick, rather than attempt to go to work. They are also being responsible in not transmitting their virus to work colleagues. Flu shots for employees lowers the risk of flu being contracted and therefore reduces the symptoms of flu. This will result in better absenteeism rates for the business.  

  • Productivity 

Absenteeism is a cost to the business in that someone isn’t contributing and in most cases they will need to be replaced. This is a drain on resources and disrupts the organisational flow, which can lead to inconsistency and inefficiency in how work is performed, and leads to costs and loss of turnover. There may also be direct healthcare costs attributed to absenteeism. Introducing on-site flu vaccinations, however, will not only reduce absenteeism, but will improve morale and engagement. People will feel more valued and looked after, and will be prepared to give more back. This can lead to better motivation and better productivity.  

  • Employee health and wellbeing

More directly, on-site flu vaccinations will reduce the debilitating effects of flu and will promote health and wellbeing amongst your workforce. Flu symptoms can be very severe in some cases, including possible hospitalisation, particularly where an employee has an underlying health condition. 

  • Workplace safety and hygiene

It is very easy to transmit the flu virus between employees in a business, and flu shots for employees is the best way to prevent this. Since the pandemic, many businesses have introduced more thorough commercial cleaning programmes, to reduce transmission via flat surfaces and the various touchpoints around a workplace, while hand hygiene protocols are still in place in many businesses also. But workplace flu clinics are the best way to reduce transmission at source, and fundamentally, an employer has a duty to protect their employees, meaning vaccinations are a proactive way to meet this duty and also to provide a safer work environment.   

Corporate flu vaccinations with FluClinic2U

At FluClinic2U we understand that many employers have recognised the role vaccinations can play in creating a healthier, happier and more productive workforce. Employers increasingly accept their duty to safeguard the health and wellbeing of their workforce, and hence on-site flu vaccinations are becoming a popular way to take proactive action, particularly in the lead-up to the winter months, when flu is much more prevalent in the UK. 

So make sure your business is suitably protected in readiness for the most vulnerable time of year, and you are taking the approach of a responsible employer, by booking an on-site flu vaccination programme for your employees today.