Lower Winter Absenteeism: Keep Employees Healthy
with a Flu Shot!
With flu season quickly approaching, now is the time for
employers to begin planning. In America,
as much as 20% of the population will contract the flu. This can mean higher healthcare costs and
higher rates of absenteeism. To fight
back against the flu, employers can take many steps to help their employees and
reduce the impact the flu may have on their business. They provide education materials to their
employees, including the importance of hand-washing, ensure that they provide
health coverage to assist their employees and take steps to stop the spread
within the workplace. One of the most
beneficial steps employers can take is to adopt on-site flu vaccination
clinics, or provide vouchers to employees to receive a vaccination.
Educating employees is one important step that employers can
take to reduce the incidents of flu in their workplace. Taking the steps to provide employees with
educations posters and brochures about vaccination can do a great deal to help
reduce the spread of the virus. Things
for employers to include are where, when and why to get the flu vaccine.
Choosing a benefit plan that provides dual coverage of
vaccinations through both pharmacy and medical is one way to ensure that
employees are able to receive their vaccination with no out-of-pocket
expense. Expanding benefit coverage for
the vaccinations increases the number of employees that choose to get
vaccinated, which decreases the incidents of the virus within the workplace and
also decreases the levels of absenteeism. Some studies have reported that employers can
see up to 25% increase in employees choosing to get vaccinated. More vaccinated employees can result in
benefits for the employer, both financially and in terms of performance.
Other steps employers can take are ensuring that there is
proper hygiene. The flu is easily spread
from person to person and from contaminated surfaces. Tell ill employees to remain home to
decrease the chance of spreading.
Provide ample supply of hand sanitizer and tissues throughout the office
to reduce the spread. Encourage all
staff members to keep their workspaces disinfected at least once a week.
A great way to increase the number of employees who choose
to get vaccinated is to host an onsite flu vaccination clinic. This option is convenient and provides ready
access for a large number of employees.
The programs are generally free to the employee and can be offered at a
discounted cost to spouses and dependents.
Studies have shown that employers can save as much as $80 per employee
by providing on-site flu clinics.
Setting up an on-site clinic is easy!
If you would like more information on how you can establish
an on-site flu vaccination clinic for your employees, please contact SHN at info@solidarityhealth.org. Or call us at 216.831.1220.
Information adapted from EHConnect,
Summer 2012. “Plan Now to Keep Employees Healthy This Flu Season” Charity
Rausch, PharmD.
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