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As we move into flu season this year, there's a dread in the air. The H1N1 flu reared its ugly head last year and already has us on pins and needles for the fall. In addition to the damages from the flu itself, there will be fall-out issues that employers must be prepared for. Not only will employees get sick, but the biggest concern is for parents who will be caring for sick children.
Here are several issues you should plan for:
Educate your employees on prevention:
The best plan of defense is to prevent. Teach your employees about the importance of keeping their hands clean, always sneezing with their mouth covered, getting immunized, using tissues and disposable paper towels and, as the employer, you may want to make face masks available.
Determine how to handle employee absences:
We're expecting that many employees will be absent because of their children. Strict rules are in effect for when sick children can return to school and this will be a strain on their parents', your employees, abilities to make it to work. Some of the actions that you can take now to help your company run more smoothly are to determine what your policy will be regarding pay for missed time. You may want to consider using all sick time first, then vacation time, then time without pay. Make your policy known to everyone.
Update your employee information so that you have current phone numbers and contact information. Do the same with vendors and customer lists. Plan for the possible temporary closing of a company and develop relationships for back-up suppliers and temporary personnel agencies.
Develop a plan for sending a sick employee home:
Lots of issues will come up when it's your employee(s) that is sick. Be prepared for questions regarding payment for doctor visits, testing, flu shots, recovery time, health insurance, and a host of other questions.
Know what to look for:
The most important thing is to know the flu symptoms so that you can protect yourself and your people. Know what to look for so that you can send someone home immediately if they are sick. That way you can protect the rest of your people and minimize the problems.
There are many resources available that you can use. Here are a few that we recommend:
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/business/guidance
www.pandemicflu.gov
www.cdc.gov
www.health.state.pa.us
www.pandemicflu.state.pa.us
Stay healthy and call us so we can help you prepare for this potentially difficult time for employers and employees.
We'd also welcome your help today. If you have a moment, click here to take a survey about key topics you'd be interested in for a new HR guidebook we're developing.
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