Business lessons from a busy flu season: Take steps now to minimize the financial impact of flu

By: Amy Meister, DO
President of Worksite Solutions, MedExpress

In business, there are many things you can predict and forecast with some degree of certainty; and that information often guides future planning and preparation. Despite it being an expected event each year, flu season catches many businesses off guard. But even though we know flu season happens annually, some years, like the 2017-2018 flu season, take us all by surprise. Last flu season was one of the most active in recent years, with the CDC reporting widespread illness – and the first to be classified as high severity across all age groups – for most of the season. And with plenty of flu season left, it's still important to take steps now to prepare your workforce for flu.

Unfortunately, since the virus is easily spread through the air and on surfaces, like keyboards and elevator buttons, employers feel the impact almost immediately when the season starts. Each year, more than 18 million U.S. workers miss work days due to the flu, resulting in an estimated $15.4 billion in lost productivity, according to national employment consulting firm, Challenger, Gray & Christmas and reported in Fortune.
                       
During a particularly severe season, such as in 2017-2018, sick employees can halt business activity all together. In fact, Newsweek reported that flu outbreaks among teachers, students, and bus drivers forced schools in at least 12 states to close for a day or more during last year’s flu season. When schools close, many working parents have to miss work. The trickle-down effect can be quite substantial.

Typically running from November through April, flu season varies in length and location primarily due to weather and the type of virus strain most prevalent. Flu season is a given, yet the severity is still difficult to predict. Despite this, there are many things employers can and should do right now to minimize the impact of flu in the workplace.

1. Regularly disinfect
It only takes four hours for germs to spread throughout the surface areas of an office when just one employee is sick. Pay close attention to coffee pots and other kitchen appliances, phones and keyboards, elevator buttons, water fountains, and door handles. Also, encourage frequent hand washing and make sure antibacterial gels and wipes are readily available.

2. Promote healthy habits
Workdays are often so packed with long to-do lists, conference calls, and meetings that sometimes basic health habits, like coughing and sneezing into your elbow and frequent hand washing can take a backseat. That's why it can be helpful, for example, to hang posters in frequently trafficked areas, like restrooms and kitchens, reminding people to wash their hands before eating or to frequently disinfect desks, keyboards, and phones. Sending a company-wide email with tips to stay healthy can also be a great way to reach employees.

3. Consider – and communicate – flexible arrangements
Employees who are sick should stay home without fear of losing their job. Some worksites implement flexible work schedules, allow for telecommuting or use fewer in-person meetings during flu season in exchange for phone calls or teleconferencing. The key is to adjust and allow some flexibility in how and where employees work. It's also important to communicate these flexible arrangements and let employees know that they're offered on an as-needed basis.

With the right plans and procedures in place ahead of time, flu season can go from being potentially catastrophic to an inconvenience you work through.