Do you have a strategy for tackling flu season in the workplace?
Flu season is coming up fast. In order to keep workers healthy, encouraging flu shots early in the season is essential.
The flu alone costs employers roughly $10.4 billion in direct costs for hospitalizations and outpatient visits for adults each year. That’s not even taking into consideration Covid cases.
Getting your employees vaccinated is the best way to help fight these costs and keep your employees healthy and safe from the flu. But there are also other prevention measures to take, too, that will help your team stay healthy this flu season.
Here’s a look at how to create your game plan for this year’s flu season:
Plan Ahead
It’s no surprise flu season is coming. It happens every year, like it or not. It starts in the fall and ends in the spring, sometimes as late as May. This year, though, cases lingered well into June.
A few ways to plan ahead for this season:
- Cross-train employees to help out when workers are sick
- Stock up on plenty of tissues, hand soap, and sanitizer
- Be realistic with work-from-home expectations for ill workers
- Consider planning a flu shot clinic on-site as a flu prevention measure
Experts believe the flu season will start early this year, so it’s smart to prepare sooner rather than later.
RELATED: What You Can Expect for the 2022-23 Upcoming Flu Season
Spread Awareness About Flu Shots
Now is the time to start discussions around flu shots. Some pharmacies already have the shots in stock for the upcoming flu season. Let your team know if you plan to host a flu clinic and/or where they may receive one off-site if it’s also covered by your company’s health insurance.
And don’t forget to share factual information with your workers so they can make their own choices regarding the flu shot. On August 26, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released its flu vaccine recommendations, which you may want to share with workers to help them decide.
This year, let your employees know they don’t have to get a shot if needles freak them out. There’s a nasal spray option and egg-free options as well, for those with egg allergies.
Keep Prevention Necessities on Hand
Flu season is the prime time for germs to spread and make everyone sick. One study found the typical work desk has more than 10 million bacteria covering it. That’s 400 times more germs than the average toilet seat. Keep your office well-stocked with items that can keep germs from spreading.
Items to have on hand:
- Tissues
- Hand soap
- Hand sanitizer
- Lysol or other bleach wipes/spray
- Air purifiers to keep the air fresh and clean
These items will keep your team safe and healthy, so consider these items an investment in everyone’s well-being.
Screen Vendors for a Flu Shot Clinic
Planning for a flu shot clinic? It’s important to check out your vendors and do research if you plan to have a flu clinic for your employees. By doing so, you can be sure you’re getting the services of a reputable company. It will also ensure the right partnership.
Some questions to ask:
- How long have you been offering corporate flu clinics?
- What type of medical professionals administer the shots?
- Will you have all six offerings for the flu vaccine?
- What are your minimum order requirements?
- Are you insured?
Do your homework. Ask other local businesses if they use a flu shot vendor and check out reviews of any vendors you’d like to potentially try.
Additionally, you’ll want to strategically promote your event.
Marketing is a must for ensuring your employees are aware of and attend your flu shot clinic. A variety of communication tools, including emails and signage, are needed to spread awareness and have the best participation rates among your employees.
Note: Be sure that the company you choose for a flu shot clinic offers these support materials, or else you’ll be stuck crafting these communications on your own time.
Don’t Forget Remote Workers
If you have remote workers, don’t forget about them when it comes to flu season. You might opt to send them a flu survival care package with tissues, vitamin c supplements, hand sanitizer, and more. Want to ensure they get a flu shot as well? Consider partnering with a corporate flu shot company that offers remote options. TotalWellness offers a flu shot voucher program in addition to on-site flu shot clinics.
Relay Your Sick Policy
Nobody wants the flu. You especially don’t want to experience the full force of flu season in the workplace, either. Note: Not everyone with the flu will have a fever. Individuals with suspected or confirmed flu, who do not have a fever, should stay home from work a minimum of 4-5 days after the onset of symptoms. Those with the flu are most contagious during the first 3 days of their illness.
As you prepare for the season be sure to:
- Update and share your sick policy
- Send out the policy again at the start of October
- Remind ill workers to stay home no matter what deadlines loom
Lastly, don’t forget to ask sick workers to stay home until they are 24 hours fever-free without the use of medication. This will ensure they’re truly on the mend and won’t spread their illness.
Free Flu Season Resources
Now is the time to refresh your knowledge when it comes to this pesky annual illness. Share these resources with colleagues, friends, fellow business owners, and family to give them helpful insights, facts, and tips for handling flu season.
Check out these free resources:
- How to Avoid a Sore Arm After Your Workplace Flu Shot
- All The Essential Flu News and Covid Updates You Need to Know
- Flu Treatment Options to Try The Minute You Feel Sick
- 7 Ways to Prepare Your Office for Flu Season
Happy reading!
Why Pick TotalWellness for Flu Vaccinations?
Did you know that company-hosted flu shot clinics are more cost-effective? Beyond a lower risk of spreading inner-office flu, there are many proven benefits to vaccinated employees. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to tackle flu season in the workplace.
When you hire us to host your flu shot clinic, you’ll get:
- Dedicated account managers
- Trained nurses on staff
- Safe delivery of vaccines to the site
- An online registration system for employees
- Clean-up and waste removal
- A final report with the number of participants
Interested? Get a free quote today to start planning out this year’s flu shot clinic!
