How to Keep Employees Healthy During Cold and Flu Season

As temperatures drop and the days get shorter, cold and flu season is upon us. For businesses, this time of year can lead to increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, and added stress as employees cope with illness. Fortunately, there are proactive steps employers can take to keep their teams healthy and minimize the impact of seasonal sickness. At Health Compass Inc., we’re dedicated to helping organizations create a healthy, resilient workforce. Here are some effective strategies for keeping employees healthy during cold and flu season.

1. Encourage Flu Vaccinations

Offer On-Site Flu Shots

One of the most effective ways to prevent flu-related absences is by encouraging employees to get their annual flu shot. To make it as easy as possible, consider offering on-site flu vaccination clinics. Partner with a local healthcare provider to administer vaccines at the office. By offering flu shots at work, you increase the likelihood that employees will get vaccinated, protecting themselves and their coworkers.

Provide Resources for Off-Site Vaccinations

If on-site flu shots aren’t feasible, share information about nearby clinics, pharmacies, and healthcare providers where employees can receive the vaccine. Many pharmacies offer walk-in flu shots, making it convenient for employees to get vaccinated at their convenience.

2. Promote Good Hygiene Practices

Place Hand Sanitizers and Disinfecting Wipes Around the Office

Cold and flu viruses can spread quickly, especially in shared workspaces. Placing hand sanitizers and disinfecting wipes in common areas, meeting rooms, and at individual workstations encourages employees to sanitize their hands regularly. Encourage employees to clean their desks, keyboards, and phones regularly to reduce the spread of germs.

Display Hygiene Reminder Posters

Sometimes, a gentle reminder goes a long way. Display posters around the office that encourage good hygiene practices, such as washing hands thoroughly, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding touching the face. These simple actions can help reduce the spread of viruses.

3. Encourage Sick Employees to Stay Home

Establish a Flexible Sick Leave Policy

One of the biggest challenges during cold and flu season is preventing employees from coming to work while they’re sick. Employees may feel pressured to come to work, fearing they’ll fall behind or let their team down. By establishing a flexible sick leave policy, you make it clear that staying home when sick is both allowed and encouraged. Communicate to your team that their health and the health of their coworkers come first.

Encourage Remote Work When Possible

If your organization has a remote work option, encourage employees to work from home if they’re feeling under the weather but are still well enough to complete tasks. Allowing employees to work remotely can help prevent the spread of illness in the office while keeping productivity up.

4. Maintain a Clean and Sanitized Workplace

Increase Cleaning Frequency in High-Touch Areas

During cold and flu season, increase the frequency of cleaning in high-traffic and high-touch areas such as doorknobs, elevator buttons, shared kitchen spaces, and restroom facilities. Consider hiring a cleaning service to perform daily or even twice-daily cleanings to reduce the spread of germs.

Encourage Desk and Workspace Cleaning

Encourage employees to clean their own workstations regularly, especially shared spaces. Provide disinfecting wipes and sprays that employees can use to sanitize surfaces like desks, phones, and keyboards. This proactive approach can help maintain a cleaner and healthier environment.

5. Promote Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Encourage Hydration

Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. Place water dispensers around the office and remind employees to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Consider adding tea options as well, as warm beverages can soothe sore throats and help keep employees comfortable.

Offer Healthy Snack Options

Providing healthy snacks like fresh fruit, nuts, and whole-grain snacks can help employees maintain their energy and immune health. Avoid sugary snacks, which can lead to energy crashes and weaken the immune system.

Encourage Physical Activity

Regular physical activity boosts the immune system and helps the body fight off illness. Consider organizing wellness challenges, walking meetings, or offering discounted gym memberships to encourage employees to stay active during the colder months.

6. Educate Employees on Preventive Measures

Provide Educational Resources

Education is key to prevention. Share articles, infographics, and other resources that educate employees on cold and flu prevention, symptoms, and when to seek medical care. These materials can help employees understand the importance of preventive measures and how they can protect themselves and others.

Host Wellness Workshops

Consider hosting wellness workshops that cover topics like stress management, nutrition, and immune health. Workshops led by health professionals can provide employees with actionable advice on how to stay healthy during cold and flu season.

7. Encourage Mental Health and Stress Management

Promote Mental Wellbeing

Stress can weaken the immune system, making employees more susceptible to illness. Encourage mental health and stress management by offering resources like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), counseling services, or relaxation spaces in the workplace. Remind employees that taking care of their mental health is just as important as their physical health.

Offer Flexible Scheduling During High-Stress Times

During peak cold and flu season, consider offering flexible scheduling options. Allowing employees to start later, leave earlier, or work remotely can help reduce stress, support work-life balance, and ultimately contribute to better health outcomes.

8. Recognize and Reward Healthy Habits

Create a Health Challenge

Implement a health challenge that encourages employees to adopt healthy habits, such as washing hands frequently, staying active, and eating nutritious foods. Offering small rewards or recognition for participation can increase motivation and help make health a priority.

Acknowledge Employees’ Efforts to Stay Healthy

Recognize employees who make an effort to prioritize their health and wellbeing, whether it’s by taking preventive measures, encouraging others, or actively participating in wellness initiatives. This positive reinforcement helps create a culture where health is valued and supported.

Keeping employees healthy during cold and flu season requires a proactive approach and a commitment to creating a supportive workplace environment. By promoting vaccinations, good hygiene practices, a clean workspace, and healthy lifestyle choices, you can reduce the spread of illness and support your team’s wellbeing. At Health Compass Inc., we’re here to help you create a healthier, more resilient workforce.

Contact Us Today

If you’re ready to implement effective health and wellness programs for your team, reach out to Health Compass Inc. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support your workplace wellness efforts.