The flu season can be challenging for employers. Employees can easily spread flu virus to their fellow employees as well as to others in the community. The flu can also have a major impact on business operations, causing several workers to stay home because they are sick. Or they may need to care for sick family members increasing their stress levels. Because of potentially thousands of hours of lost work time, companies have an economic interest in keeping employees healthy and protected from the flu.
A healthy and productive workforce is critical to the success of any business, so how do employers motivate employees to participate in healthy behaviors, such as getting a flu shot?
Here are five tips to help motivate employees to get a flu shot.
- Provide convenient and timely access to the vaccine. Hosting an on-site seasonal flu shot clinic is an easy and convenient way to ensure your employees get vaccinated.
- Deal with myths and misinformation by educating your employees about the flu. Your employees' awareness of the flu and flu vaccination depends on many factors: sociocultural, the level of education and past experience.
- Develop key messages that will connect with your audience. Try to find what is important to your employees. Here are some sample key messages. Getting a flu shot:
- Prevents missed workdays and lost sick time.
- Protects the other workers near you.
- Protects your family — don’t bring home the flu!
- Is the best way to fight the flu.
- Protects yourself and your loved ones.
- Encourage employees to write down a specific date and time when they plan to get their flu shot. According to a study by the University of Pennsylvania, Stanford University, Yale University and Harvard University writing down significantly increased the chances of employees following through with the flu shot.
- Share current flu activity for your local community or state. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issues weekly reports on their website.
How do you motivate and encourage employees to get a flu shot? Let us know in the comment section below!
