Q. "What steps can we take to help manage outbreaks during flu season?"
Answer:
Flu season can detrimentally affect the workplace unless your organization finds a way to be prepared and cope. Here are three basic ways you can get ahead of it:
1. Provide Plenty of Sick Time
Sick employees often still come to work because they don't want to let down the team or they don't feel like they can afford to take the time off. Not only are sick employees less productive, but they risk infecting healthy employees. Be generous with sick leave and reinforce to staff that you are more concerned about their well being than their productivity.
2. Boost Office Morale
When a virus does hit your office, show extra appreciation to the healthy employees that take on the extra responsibilities and workloads of sick staff. Give them extra grace and maybe even an extra day off once the office is fully staffed again.
3. Stop the Spread
Beyond encouraging sick employees to stay home and offering more flexible work schedules to all employees, ensure your cleaning and sanitation practices are up to par. Limit in person meetings and encourage healthy habits for all staff during an outbreak.