Influenza: its effects in your workplace

The flu: Many of us don’t realize how big an impact it has on our daily lives. Every year, 1.5 million working days are lost in Australia alone due to the flu. In fact, workplaces across the country feel the pinch all the time when employees get sick with the flu; chances are you were one of them. Below, you can learn a little more about how the flu affects the workplace and how flu shots can help.

The flu: a major cause of sick days –

Calling in sick for work can have big repercussions throughout the office. Not only do you have a lot of work to make up when you return, but those who stay behind during your absence must ignore some of their own duties to handle theirs. Ten to twelve percent of sick days are caused by the flu, so it’s no surprise that employers are increasingly eager to provide the flu shot to their employees. If sick days could be reduced by a decent percentage, workplaces across Australia would see a definite boost in productivity.

Work capacity suffers when the flu strikes

Many people try to get by when they get the flu and go to work even though they are sick. If the flu is mild enough, this might seem reasonable; however, it is likely that you are still contagious and your ability to work is compromised. In turn, your overall productivity and capabilities are reduced by a considerable margin. In other words, not only will you be spreading the flu to your co-workers, but your output will be much lower than it normally would be. All in all, coming to work sick is not a smart move. Given that a single sneeze travels at about 100 mph, and travels about five meters every 1/10th of a second, it’s easy to see why the flu spreads from employee to employee at such rapid speeds.

Reduce Sick Leave, Absenteeism, and Downskilling with the Flu Vaccine –

Workplace flu vaccination events are becoming more popular; if your workplace hasn’t had one yet, it probably will soon. By encouraging employees to get the flu shot, employers can dramatically reduce the number of sick days they typically incur. In turn, coworkers won’t have to shoulder work for sick employees as often, and productivity will remain stable. Fewer employees will also show up for work when they’re down, meaning more things will get done in a reasonable and effective way. In general, flu shots are a great way to improve the workplace; If you haven’t received yours yet this year, be sure to do so soon.