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The 2013-14 flu season is well underway, and experts are predicting this season to be one of the worst in years.
The Centers for Disease Control is predicting a severe flu season, resulting in employers everywhere having to deal with increased absenteeism and employee health concerns.
“While we can’t say for certain how severe this season will be, we can say that a lot of people are getting sick with influenza and we are getting reports of severe illness and hospitalizations,” says Bresee, who is Chief of the Epidemiology and Prevention Branch in CDC’s Influenza Division.
It is challenging for employers to deal with absent employees, and it is equally as difficult for employees to be ill and responsible for ill family members.
This is a time when it is essential for employers to be supportive of employees and their families.
Flexibility is one way you can offer support to employees during this high flu season.
Easing policies and procedures can send a message of compassion and support to employees who are already struggling with balancing work and home.
5 Ways to Be Supportive During Flu Season
1. Work from Home Options
While not every job is structured to work from home, employers should consider those jobs that are and offer the flexibility of working from home to employees who can perform job tasks away from the office.
This flexibility can help keep sick employees out of the office while maintaining productivity levels.
It also allows employees to be available to sick children or other loved ones.
2. Flexible Working Hours
Allow employees to flex their work schedule by coming in early or late to accommodate for the challenges of taking care of themselves or an ill child.
Also, offer the option of working into the evening or a weekend when possible.
3. Makeup Time
Allow employees to make up lost, sick time if at all possible.
There is not much of a worse feeling than being sick and feeling like you have to force yourself to go to work because of lost pay.
This is difficult for the employee, but it also puts other employees at risk of getting sick when someone comes to work because they feel like there are no other options.
4. Check on Employees
When employees are away from work for an extended period of time, call and check on them to be sure they are taking care of themselves.
Leave a voicemail or text to let them know they are missed and cared about.
Most people like to know someone cares.
5. Send a Care Package
For severe cases of the flu, have the organization send a care package to the employee.
Include all the necessities like magazines, cough drops, tissues, and perhaps a warm blanket.
This communicates a sincere care and concern for the employee.
Illness can cause undue stress on employees when they feel the need to choose between their job responsibilities and their family.
Make policies and procedures as flexible as possible to ease this stress for your employees, and you will see great returns for the care you give them.
Employees like to feel valued, and sincere care at a time of illness is one great way to show it!
Ps: If your employees have not gotten their flu shot yet, encourage them to today!