Influenza – Its Effects on Your Workplace

The flu: Many of us don’t realise just how big an impact it has on our daily lives. Every year, 1.5 million days of work are missed in Australia alone due to the flu. Indeed, workplaces across the country feel the pinch all the time as employees become ill with influenza; more than likely, you’ve been one of them. Below, you can learn a bit more about how the flu affects the workplace – and how flu vaccinations can help.

The Flu: A Significant Cause Of Sick Days –

Calling in sick for work can have major repercussions on the entire office. Not only do you have a lot of work to make up when you return, but those who remain during your absence must ignore some of their own duties to handle yours. Ten to twelve percent of sick days are caused by the flu, so it’s not surprising that employers are becoming more and more eager to provide the flu vaccination to their employees. If sick days could be cut by a decent percentage, workplaces all around Australia would notice a definite surge in productivity.

Working Ability Suffers When The Flu Strikes –

Many people try to soldier on when they come down with the flu, coming into work even though they are ill. If the flu is mild enough, this might seem reasonable; however, you are probably still contagious and your working ability is compromised. In turn, your productivity and overall capabilities are lessened by a considerable margin. In other words, you’ll not only be spreading the flu to your co-workers, but your output will be much less than it normally would be. All in all, coming in to work while ill is not a smart move. Since a single sneeze travels at approximately 167 kph – and travels about five metres every 1/10th of a second – it’s easy to see why the flu spreads from employee to employee at such lightning fast speeds.

Reduce Sick Leave, Absenteeism and Diminished Work Abilities With The Flu Vaccine –

Workplace flu vaccine events are becoming more and more popular; if your workplace hasn’t held one yet, it probably will soon. By encouraging employees to receive the flu vaccine, employers can dramatically reduce the number of sick days that they usually incur. In turn, fellow employees won’t be burdened with sick employees’ work as frequently and productivity will remain at an even keel. Fewer employees will show up to work while under the weather, too, which means that more things will get accomplished in a reasonable and effective manner. All around, flu vaccinations are an excellent way to improve the workplace; if you haven’t received yours this year yet, then make sure you do soon.