Last year was one of the worst flu seasons the U.S. has seen in a long time. And with cold and flu season here again, it's important that as an employer, you're taking necessary precautions to keep your employees healthy. Fortunately, there are a few simple ways employers can promote health in the workplace. So let's take a look at a few steps you can take to keep your employees healthy this cold and flu season.
Offer workplace flexibility: Did you know that one out of every three people still go to work when they're sick? Having sick employees in the office is bad for everyone -- the sick employees can spread germs and they're not giving themselves the time they need to rest and get better. This is why offering workplace flexibility during cold and flu season can be a great idea. If employees are allowed to work from home, they can avoid spreading germs if they do get sick. Additionally, employees can take the time they need to go to doctor's appointments when needed without having to take time off. Being flexible during cold and flu season can be great for the company overall.
Ensure the office is clean: Having a clean office is one of the best ways to avoid spreading germs at work. This is why employers should consider investing in commercial cleaning services. Having professional cleaning services can help make sure the office is cleaned properly, reducing the risk of germs being spread. Additionally, working in a clean office can help promote productivity and overall well-being. So if you haven't invested in an office cleaning service yet, now is the time to do so. With cold and flu season here, having a clean office is more important than ever.
Promote a health-focused culture: When employees work in an environment that frowns upon taking time for self-care, they're not only more likely to come to work when they're sick, but they're more likely to get sick in the first place. Employees need time to take care of themselves -- eating healthy, getting sufficient rest, and exercising regularly are all things employees should do on a regular basis. But if their workload is too much or they're feeling too much work-related pressure, they're going to focus more on work than their well-being. So as an employer, make sure you're fostering a company culture that values self-care and promotes employee well-being.
As an employer, it's your responsibility to promote health and wellness in the workplace. So this cold and flu season, keep these simple tips in mind to keep your employees feeling their best.
