Smart Benefits: Tips to Fight Flu in the Workplace

Monday, September 30, 2019

Rob Calise, GoLocalProv Business/Health Expert

Rob Calise

With two flu-related deaths in California already last month, and predictions from the CDC that it’s going to be a severe season, it’s not too early to start protecting your workplace. Here’s what employers can do to keep workers – and productivity – healthy.

Promote the Flu Vaccine. The CDC recommends everyone age six months and older get an annual flu vaccine, ideally by the end of October each year.
Host a Workplace Clinic. If possible, consider having a flu vaccine clinic at your worksite to maximize employee vaccination.
Provide Resources. If your business can’t offer a clinic, help employees find locations where they can get a flu vaccine such as at area pharmacies or local schools.
Review Sick Leave Policies. To prevent spread of the flu, encourage all employees to stay at home until at least 24 hours after their fever is gone or, in the absence of a fever, for four to five days from the first symptoms, without fear of reprisals.
Be Flexible. If employees have to stay home to care for a family member with the flu, consider offering the opportunity to work remotely.
Recommend Preventive Actions. Remind employees of ways to reduce their risk of contracting the flu like covering sneezes and provide items that can help prevent the spread such as hand sanitizer, tissues and, as the CDC recommends, no-touch trash cans.

Rob Calise is the Managing Director, Employee Benefits of The Hilb Group of New England, where he helps clients control the costs of employee benefits by focusing on consumer-driven strategies and on how to best utilize the tax savings tools the government provides. Rob serves as Chairman of the Board of United Benefit Advisors, and is a board member of the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of RI Broker Advisory Board, United HealthCare of New England Broker Advisory Board and Rhode Island Business Healthcare Advisors Council. He is also a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU), American Health Insurance Association (AHIA) and the Employers Council on Flexible Compensation (ECFC), as well as various human resource associations. Rob is a graduate of Bryant University with a BS in Finance