Employers can mitigate the impact of seasonal influenza on the workplace by taking a proactive approach through flexible work policies and supporting preventative measures such as vaccination, says Peter Smith, president and senior scientist at the Institute for Work & Health.
“For most workplaces, the impacts will be increased time off work from employees to either recover from the flu, or to care for someone else who is recovering. There may also be impacts on productivity.”
Seasonal influenza costs Canadian workplaces more than 1.5 million lost workdays each year and ranks among the top 10 leading causes of death in Canada, according to a new report by Telus Health. The flu tends to keep people away from work longer than a cold, with employees aged 50 to 64 missing an average of four days and many others taking between one and five days to return. Smith points to a recent Statistics Canada survey that found absences from illness peak in December and January, aligning with flu season.
Read: How employers can promote employee health during flu season
He says one of the most important lessons from the coronavirus pandemic is the value of clear sick-leave policies. “Employers should clearly communicate to their staff their policies around coming into the workplace while sick, with guidance on when not to come to the office and how long to stay away during recovery.” He adds these policies should focus on symptoms such as fever or coughing, rather than requiring employees to disclose a diagnosis.
Flexibility also plays a role. “If remote work is possible, this is a good way to limit the impacts of illnesses like the flu on productivity, especially while employees are recovering but may still be contagious,” says Smith.
“Employees who have responsibilities for others — whether children, parents or other family members or friends — may need extra accommodations if these people also become sick. Allowing these staff members the option to work remotely while they are caring for others can help to reduce the impact on their productivity and allow them to stay connected to the workplace.”
Prevention remains critical, Smith notes, pointing to research showing that vaccinated adults lose less time at work, even if they catch the flu. National health guidance recommends flu shots by October or early November to build immunity before peak flu season. “Encourage staff to get their flu shot,” he says. “Vaccination can reduce both the risk of getting the flu, but also the severity of the flu if they get it.”
Read: How hybrid workplaces and employees can navigate flu season
Smith says a proactive approach helps limit disruption. “Ideally, employees should not come to the workplace when ill, both to limit the spread of illness and to help in their own recovery. Make sure your employees are aware of options around flexible and remote work when they need to be away from the workplace, either due to their own health or the health of someone they care for.”