Having a healthy workforce has numerous benefits for companies, including improved productivity, less absenteeism, lower healthcare costs and, in most cases, a more engaged workforce.
As a result, many companies have taken steps to encourage behaviors that contribute to a healthier workplace during the winter flu season. Keeping employees healthy isn’t just good for morale – it’s good for business.
With a nasty flu season already underway across the country, businesses can expect to see billions of dollars in lost productivity, according to outplacement consultant Challenger, Gray & Christmas. The firm predicts 11 million Americans will fall ill, costing employers more than $9 billion in wages being paid to employees who are staying home sick.
Want to keep your employees healthy this flu season? Here are three tips:
1. Maintain a clean office
Schedule extra and more thorough office cleanings during cold and flu season to help prevent the spread of germs. Make sure knobs, handles, entrance lobby doors, stair rails, bathrooms and common areas are wiped down with disinfecting cleaner. And don’t forget about the light switches.
Provide your employees with disinfecting wipes and encourage them to sanitize their work area often, including phones, keyboards and mice.
2. Keep those hands germ-free
There are several ways you can do this:
- Encourage hand-washing: Regular hand washing is one of the best methods of flu prevention. Post signage to remind employees to wash their hands frequently.
- Make hand sanitizer available: Employees may not go to a washroom to wash their hands every time they sneeze or cough, but if hand sanitizer is around they are likely to use it. Place it in high-traffic areas throughout the building, including break rooms and elevators.
- Stock tissues: Make sure to have boxes of tissues in common areas and within easy reach of employees.
3. Promote wellness
Encourage your employees to take care of themselves by making healthy food choices, drinking lots of water and taking short breaks. These things, along with regular exercise, boost the immune system and help our bodies fight illness and stay in good health.
If you would like more information on how Eurest Services helps our clients design and build programs with a focus on employee wellness, please contact us here.
Compass Notes 