It’s cold and flu season, and the Better Business Bureau has some advice for business owners: Helping employees stay healthy can help a company’s productivity, but it takes more than talking the talk.
The BBB recommends some basic investments to help prevent the spread of germs in the office: tissue, hand sanitizer and cleaning products for work spaces are key, and no-touch trash cans also help keep illness at bay.
An even better way to stop germs from spreading is to keep them out of the office in the first place. The BBB says employees should be encouraged to stay home when they’re sick, and for at least 24 hours after fever or other severe symptoms go away.
Technology to support working from home helps workers stay productive when they’re well enough to function but too contagious to function with others.
Large employers may want to contact a local hospital about setting up an on-site health fair, and all employers can offer workers information about where to get flu shots. Helping cover the cost of the shots can also be a smart investment.
Even more than other employees, the BBB says managers need to remember not to be afraid to take a sick day. Other workers are looking toward their bosses to see whether staying home is really acceptable.
Click here for more advice from the BBB.
http://www.bbb.org/us/
http://www.bbb.org/us/Business-Tips-Index/
