Tips for Managing Seasonal Viruses

Viruses that cause respiratory disease usually circulate more heavily in fall and winter. While influenza (flu) and other illnesses are common and occur each year, their potential impact should not be downplayed. If a major respiratory disease outbreak occurs, organizations may face elevated rates of employee absenteeism, which could lead to business interruptions and lost production. Moreover, living through the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened many individuals’ worries about infection. Consequently, mental health concerns, such as anxiety and low morale, could also hinder operational continuity during respiratory disease season.

Employers should consider the following best practices for promoting employee well-being during respiratory disease season:

• Review organizational risks. Employers should conduct robust risk assessments to identify the specific hazards that could increase the transmission of viruses and implement necessary measures (e.g., personal protective equipment requirements and administrative or engineering controls).
• Establish remote work policies. If workers are primarily on-site, employers may wish to have a backup plan to allow employees to work from home when dealing with virus-related symptoms to reduce the chances of virus spread.
• Keep cleaning supplies on hand. Employers should frequently disinfect commonly touched objects (e.g., doorknobs and keyboards) and have hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies available for employee use.
• Encourage healthy employee behaviours. Employee education is critical for healthy behaviour changes. Employers should stress the importance of washing hands thoroughly and disseminate guidance on personal well-being. Employers could also encourage workers to receive an annual flu vaccination.
• Remain flexible. Organizations should remain flexible and consider a range of measures to prepare for workforce ill-health concerns. For example, employers could consider cancelling non-essential face-to-face meetings and travel to avoid close contact between employees during virus outbreaks.

The flu and other seasonal viruses can significantly impact business operations. However, encouraging employees to receive their flu vaccine and implementing robust cleaning standards can help organizations reduce the impact of such respiratory illnesses. Additionally, organizations must remain agile and find ways to alter working practices to reduce virus spread and improve overall workplace well-being.