The official start of flu season is considered October, but colds, seasonal flu, COVID and other viruses have already started circulating in and out of the workplace. 

The CDC and other organizations have conducted surveys showing how illness impacts the workplace. The medical journal Vaccine reports that the flu virus alone causes over 100 million missed workdays per year, which translates to roughly $16.3 billion in earnings. While employers may not be able to prevent contagious illness at work, there are plenty of measures that can be taken to reduce the spread of germs. 

• Remember how anti-bacterial items were everywhere you turned during the peak of the COVID pandemic? There’s no reason to stop doing that. Especially during cold and flu season, we strongly encourage employers to take measures to reduce the spread of germs. Making things like hand sanitizers, anti-bacterial wipes and sprays, and tissues is always a good idea. Place anti-bacterial wipes near high-tough areas like postage machines, break rooms, copiers, etc. 
• Prioritize handwashing. Make sure handwashing is accessible to all employees, and that restrooms and kitchen areas are stocked with soap and either paper towels or a hand dryer. 
• Offer a voluntary, no-cost onsite vaccine clinic for employees, or provide information about how and where they can receive free vaccines for things like seasonal flu and current COVID variants. Check with your local occupational health facilities or your insurance provider about scheduling an onsite vaccine clinic. 
• Encourage your staff to stay at home when they’re sick. Once their fever has broken for 24+ hours, or they’ve been on antibiotics for more than one day, they may be able to return to work. It can be difficult to lose an employee to illness for a few days (especially on a small staff), but if they feel obligated to come to work while sick – you may end up with several employees out over the following month. 
• Clarify your leave and call-in policies and procedures early in the season. Make sure employees know what expectations are in terms of call-offs and doctors’ notes. 
• Encourage your employees to take good care of themselves during cold and flu season by eating healthy, exercising, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of rest.