Cold and Flu Season Tips for a Healthy Workplace

Each year, as the temperatures drop, cold and flu season poses a silent (but sniffly) threat to workplace productivity, team morale and overall employee wellbeing. One contagious illness can easily spread across departments, causing spikes in absenteeism and dips in performance. 

In an effort to help your business preserve the health of its teams – particularly during peak flu season – Bodycare has some top tips to help your workforce build some immunity against the challenges of winter. 

Top Tips for a First Defense Against Cold and Flu Season 

1. Provide Onsite Workplace Flu Vaccinations 

Flu vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to protect your team from seasonal illness. And, at a time of year when it can already be more difficult to get out of bed, convenience matters! By offering onsite workplace flu vaccinations, your business can ensure high uptake with minimal disruption to the workday. 

Our health and wellbeing team, Healthworks provide a fast, efficient and professionally administered flu vaccination program. The team come to you, making it easy for your employees to get vaccinated without even leaving the office. The result is fewer sick days, healthier staff and peace of mind for everyone. 

2. Encourage Sick Employees to Stay Home 

This one might require a culture shift for some workplaces, but in simple terms, sick employees shouldn’t feel pressured to power through. Presenteeism – the act of coming into work while ill or not fully functional – can feel valiant, but it can also valiantly spread germs and compromise recovery. It also puts colleagues at risk in a number of ways. 

Spread the message (and not the germs) that staying home when unwell is not only acceptable, but encouraged. Empowering your team to prioritise their health helps prevent larger outbreaks as well as protecting the wellbeing of others in the workplace. 

3. Reinforce the Value of Sick Leave 

Many employees avoid using sick leave due to guilt, workload pressure or unclear protocols. Use flu season as a timely opportunity to reinforce your organisation’s sick leave policies and the importance of taking time to rest and recover. Without this time off, workers are likely to continue to complete tasks while they’re still not feeling one hundred percent, putting them at a higher risk of injury due to 20-40% slower reaction times. 

Put the value of sick leave on display by also encouraging managers to lead by example. This way, employees feel supported in making the right decision for their own health and for the health of their colleagues. 

4. Boost Employee Immunity with Healthy Workplace Practices 

Wellness goes beyond sanitiser and tissue boxes. Supporting your employees’ overall health can strengthen their immune system and reduce the severity or frequency of illness. Consider initiatives like:

• Nutrition seminars focused on immunity-boosting foods 

• Stocking shared kitchens with healthy snacks and beverages 

• Promoting regular hydration and physical activity 

These small inclusions in the workplace can go a long way in building a workplace that is both productive and resilient through flu season and beyond. 

5. Improve Ventilation and Workplace Cleanliness 

Cold and flu viruses thrive in enclosed, poorly ventilated environments. Ensure your HVAC systems are well-maintained and consider using air purifiers in high-traffic or poorly-ventilated areas.  

Additionally, increase the frequency of cleaning for shared surfaces like door handles, desks and kitchen spaces. Equally, make hygiene supplies such as hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes readily available and visible throughout the workplace. 

Stay Proactive for a Healthy Work Environment 

The dreaded flu season doesn’t have to mean inevitable disruption. By taking a proactive, preventative approach, you can help protect your employees’ health, minimise sick days and immunise your business against the $2 billion that the flu costs Australian businesses each year. 

From our easy-to-incorporate corporate flu vaccination program to comprehensive workplace wellness frameworks, Bodycare can fully customise a plan to your needs. Get in touch today to enquire about your onsite flu vaccination program or learn more about a range of corporate health solutions to keep the bugs at bay.