Cold and flu season is just around the corner, so it’s time to figure out a game plan so it doesn’t take down your staff this year. While you can’t keep your employees from getting sick, you can take preventative measures to decrease their chances of falling ill and create a plan to avoid major drops in productivity.
An estimated five to 20 percent of the American population comes down with the flu each year, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Additionally, more than 200 different viruses can cause a cold, making the common cold the number one reason employees miss work.
3 Ways to Increase Productivity During Flu Season
Is your company prepared to combat cold and flu season? Sick employees are a major drain on productivity. No one can perform to the best of their ability when they’re under the weather. Take the following steps to remain productive during the germiest time of the year:
1. Create a Wellness Program
Promote a healthy lifestyle by creating a wellness program and urging employees to participate. Teach employees how to strengthen their immune systems and combat germs by eating healthy, exercising and taking other necessary precautions to avoid sickness.
Learn More: The Benefits of Starting an Employee Wellness Program
2. Encourage Sick Employees to Stay Home
It only takes one sick employee to infect your entire team. Ask all sick workers to stay home and rest, to keep their germs out of the office and facilitate a speedy recovery.
3. Hire Temporary Workers to Cover Absences
Many people continue coming to work when they’re sick because they have work that can’t be put on hold until they’re feeling better. Combat this issue by partnering with a staffing agency to hire temporary staff to fill in for sick workers ─ effectively maximizing productivity by keeping the work flow moving and allowing your sick employees to get much-needed rest.
Looking for top talent to fill your open positions? Partner with Sparks Group. We’ll work closely with you to analyze your staffing challenges and get to know your company culture, allowing us to find the best possible candidates for your organization.
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