Managing employee illness during the flu season

Sniffling, coughing, fevers… flu season is fast approaching, and with it the inevitable setbacks and inconveniences caused by employee sickness. Luckily, it doesn’t have to spell complete disaster for your staff or your company’s output this winter, and there are some things you can do to protect your employees (and yourself) from catching the dreaded germs that abound at this time of year.

At work flu shots

One of the most effective methods of prevention is vaccination. However, between working long hours and keeping up with out-of-office commitments, many employees simply don’t have the time to get vaccinated. So why not make it a little easier for them? Consider hosting on-site vaccination clinics so your staff members can get vaccinated easily without sacrificing their work or free time.

Remote working

Rather than being punitive about employee absenteeism, encourage your workforce to use their sick days or work from home when they’re under the weather. Giving employees the option to work remotely is a great way to prevent illness spreading throughout the company, and also gives a viable compromise between the formality of the office and a day in bed that will encourage staff to continue working even if they feel less than 100%, thereby helping to prevent a dip in productivity.

Encourage hygienic practices and stock up on supplies

Encouraging basic hygiene practices is one of the simplest ways to prevent a flu outbreak in the office. Create a guide with some suggestions for preventing sickness, such as:

• Regular hand washing
• Covering coughs and sneezes using tissues, which are then thrown in the bin immediately to avoid contamination
• Using hand sanitiser or washing hands after coughing and sneezing
• Avoiding close contact with others, such as shaking hands, during flu season
• Avoiding using other employees’ equipment such as phones, computers and headsets.

Finally, you could also equip your office and workforce with some vital supplies, such as:

• Hand sanitiser placed in convenient locations around the office, particularly in high-contact areas
• A supply of tissues for every employee
• Treats and provisions that boost immune systems, such as orange juice, vitamin supplements and plenty of hot drinks.

This news was brought to you by Morgan Pryce, a specialist tenant acquisition agent with offices in Oxford Circus and the City. Morgan Pryce specialises in search, negotiation and project management and works exclusively for tenants.