Game of Thrones fans will recognise this phrase as the opening episode of the series, when there are dire warnings of an approaching time of great coldness, darkness and anarchy.
While an Australian workplace might be a long way from mythical Westeros, you can see where I’m going with this. Workplaces in winter are often a bleak place, beset with terrible absenteeism and lost productivity, when workstations are left bare and work piles up in mountains around the remaining few. The highest levels of absenteeism and presenteeism are in winter, and it can have a profound effect on morale, productivity and overall business performance.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. There are actions you can take right now to immunise your business against winter.
The trick is to prepare early. Give your employees the time, tools and information they need to boost their immune systems and protect themselves against colds and flus.
1. Vaccinate
The first step is to vaccinate. Most organisations have already organised their workplace flu vaccinations, but if you haven’t there are still some available. The vaccination takes a good two weeks to kick in, so ideally you should roll them out in April or May at the latest. Contact the Healthworks team today to get a quote.
2. Educate
The next step is to inform and educate. Give your employees expert advice and guidance on how the cold and flu viruses work, how they can avoid them, and how they can boost their immune systems in the lead-up to winter. The workplace is rife with germs in winter. The flu virus can last up to two days on a hard surface? Think door handles, shared keyboards, even fridge doors and photocopier buttons.
3. Support
Finally, show your employees you care and that you support them. Morale and engagement are often at an all-time low in winter, as the employees who are not home sick are left shouldering the work of their absent colleagues.
Schedule Your Corporate Flu Shot Program Today
Just like the armies of the north, the flu virus is a formidable opponent that can wreak havoc on your workplace, causing absenteeism and lost productivity. But fear not, you can protect your employees by booking workplace flu shots now. By taking this proactive step, you’re sending a strong message to your employees that their health and well-being are a top priority.
Don’t wait until the winter winds start blowing!
