Fighting Flu in the Workplace

Flu season not only hits us hard physically, it also takes a toll on our pocketbooks. Consider this: As of Jan. 5, 47 U.S. states were reporting widespread flu activity, resulting in nearly 550,000 hospital visits. An average influenza season rings up about $4.6 billion in direct costs, including prescriptions, trips to the doctor and hospitalizations. It's likely this season’s increased activity will cost even more.

What kind of impact does a widespread outbreak have on business? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 111 million workdays were lost in 2011 due to influenza. The estimated cost to the economy is a cringeworthy $7 billion, a figure that includes lost productivity. Some are saying this year's epidemic could have an impact of over $10 billion.

The decision to stay home and rest, or trudge to the office and tough it out has always been a difficult one, and is likely why nearly 85 per cent of adults say they've clocked in while ill. Thirty-five per cent of workers admit to feeling guilty when calling in sick. Today's uncertain economy has left even more people afraid that any type of absence, no matter how justified, could lead to job loss.

However, smart bosses realize that staying home when ill is the best thing an employee can do for the company as a whole. Just a few days at home can help break the seasonal sickness cycle and prevent an entire office from being infected with a virus. Never mind the fact an employee stricken with influenza –with symptoms such as fever and extreme chills, severe body aches and fatigue – is usually too ill to be productive, meaning their presence isn't accomplishing much besides putting others at risk.

The truth is the office can be a risky place when it comes to transmission of germs. Dr. Charles P. Gerba, an expert on microbes and intestinal diseases at the University of Arizona, uncovered some unsettling results when he tested everyday items found in work environments. Confined spaces, such as offices and cubicles, had higher germ levels than common areas. The dirtiest piece of equipment on a desk is the telephone, with an average of 25,127 bacteria. In comparison, a men's toilet seat averages only 49. Desk surfaces were found to harbor over 20,000 bacteria per surface. One employee's water glass had about 52,000.

It's simple to see one of the best ways of avoiding transmission, aside from staying home, is for employees to give their workspaces a thorough cleaning on a regular basis. Proper hand washing is key, especially after touching common items like faucets, door knobs and small appliances in the lunch room. And while we can't avoid shaking hands, we can make an effort not to touch our faces, which gives nasty germs a direct point of entry to our bodies.

Business owners should consider offering a handful of paid sick days each year if such a policy isn't already in place. It will prevent employees from bringing infectious disease into the work environment by removing the financial burden, and could save money in the long run by halting a larger outbreak among staff. Though there will always be a few bad apples, a 2011 Institute for Women’s Policy Research study found that the majority of employees don't abuse paid sick days, with the typical worker only using three per year even if they were allotted more. One in four didn't use any at all.

Managers should promote influenza vaccination in the workplace, perhaps even holding a clinic in the office or allowing employees paid time off to get a shot. If someone does fall ill, reassure them it's OK to miss a few days and not allow them back until they've beaten the bug. If someone absolutely cannot miss work, make arrangements for them to telecommute. With today's technology it’s easy to hold meetings via conference call or webcam.

It's important we take care of ourselves during influenza season. By taking some preventative and proactive steps to fight the flu, we can ensure the workplace is a productive space where we share our ideas, not germs.

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