Business Lessons From A Busy Flu Season

Act now to minimize the financial toll of flu

In business, there are many things you can predict and forecast with some degree of analytical certainty and that information often guides future planning and preparation. Despite it being a known event each year, flu season catches many businesses off guard and unprepared. However, even though we know flu season happens annually, some years such as this take us all by surprise. The 2017-2018 flu season has been one of the most active in recent years, with the CDC reporting widespread illness for most of the season. And, while hopefully peak flu season is now behind us, there are actions we can take now to prepare for the 2018-2019 flu season ahead.

 

Unfortunately, since the virus can 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 bad season, such as in 2017-2018, sick employees can halt business activity all together. In fact, Newsweek recently reported that flu outbreaks among teachers, students, and bus drivers forced schools in at least 12 states to close for a day or more. When schools close, many working parents have to miss work. The trickle-down effect is 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 can never be completely predicted. Despite this, there are many things employers can and should do to minimize the toll of flu in the workplace. With early planning, these items can be put in place in plenty of time for next year’s flu season:

While 85% of large employers offer wellness programs, only 60% of employees are aware they exist and even fewer (40%) actually use them. This is an opportunity to emphasize, through materials and incentives, the importance of healthy physical and emotional habits both at work and at home. Upper management should be involved and actively encouraging employees to set goals and work to achieve them.

The flu shot helps prevent flu and may lessen the severity of symptoms, thus helping prevent it from spreading in the first place. Educate employees by sharing materials that debunk flu shot myths that may keep them from getting vaccinated.

It only takes four hours for germs to spread throughout the surface area of the 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 handwashing and make sure antibacterial gels and wipes are readily available.

 
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.
 
Interactive Blog: Debunking Flu Myths In The Workplace

Author Bio

Amy Meister is the President of MedExpress Worksite Solutions. She is responsible for MedExpress centers located in places of employment. Meister has practiced medicine for 17 years, with a focus on acute and chronic condition management. She handles a full spectrum of diseases and transitions of care to ensure the right care, at the right place, at the right time. Visit www.medexpress.com Connect Amy Meister Follow @MedExpress