Now that we’re heading into fall, flu season is right around the corner and we all know what that means. Sick employees not only put other workers in danger of getting sick, but flu season can also mean a loss of productivity for employers. If you want to keep your business running smoothly, there are a few pro-active steps that you can take to ensure that your employees stay healthy.
1. Set Up a Protocol For Handling Sickness. It’s easiest for everyone if you set up a system for employees who have the flu. Let them know that it’s better that they stay home if they do have it. You can set up certain requirements, such as if they have a fever above 100.0 degrees, they should stay home for the day. Make your policy clear, share it with all employees and post a copy in your break room.
2. Offer Paid Sick Days if Possible. Many employees come in, even when they’re sick, just because they can’t afford to take that loss in pay. If you can, offer paid sick days, and maybe even a few extra days during flu season. While you don’t want to encourage people to misuse them, you can set up a system where if they are diagnosed with the flu and have a doctor’s note, they can get paid for the days off they took.
3. Provide Hand Sanitizers. Hand sanitizer is relatively inexpensive, and it’s easy to supply everyone at your company with their own personal bottle. Make sure that everyone knows the proper use of sanitizer. This also can help keep your employees healthy.
4. Start Up a Wellness Program. Knowledge is power, and setting up a company-wide wellness program will help educate your employees on the importance of good hygiene and the steps they can take to stay healthy. You might even want to encourage employees to go get a free flu shot if they are offered in your area and offer to pay them for the time they take getting one.
5. Make It Fun to Stay Healthy. Everyone enjoys a contest! Make it fun to stay healthy by running a contest where if no one comes in sick and spreads the flu, the entire company will be rewarded with a free lunch. For smaller companies, you could even offer free gift cards to every employee who avoids getting the flu.
These simple steps will help your company stay productive, and more importantly, it will encourage your employees to take the right steps to maintain their own health.
Want more tips on keeping your employees healthy and reducing the cost of small group insurance? Give us a call at 888-888-8888 today!