Strategies and Tips for Businesses
December 8, 2009
Businesses can play an important role in protecting our community against the spread of H1N1.
To address the role that businesses can play in preventing the spread of H1N1, the CDC held an online discussion for bloggers featuring a panel of experts to review recommendations, tools, and action steps that businesses can take to protect the health and safety of their employees.
Among the top recommendations, the panelists reminded businesses about the importance of having a response plan to decrease the spread of influenza and keep their employees – and the economy – healthy. Although the disease is declining and vaccine supplies are on the rise, the H1N1 virus is unpredictable. Now is a good window of opportunity to encourage employees in priority groups to get vaccinated. Also, businesses should be flexible about sick leave policies, and, when influenza is widespread in the community, not require a note from the doctor in order to grant leave.
Additional recommendations include:
- Cross-training employees for essential functions,
- Cancel nonessential travel,
- Reduce face to face meetings.
- Engage local health departments for communications channels for outbreaks
To learn your workplace's capacity to function during an H1N1 influenza, check out the CDC’s FluWorkLoss Absenteeism Calculator, and for up-to-date health safety information, download widgets to post on your website.
For more resources, check out the Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to the 2009 – 2010 Influenza Season on Flu.gov, and look for us on Facebook and Twitter.
These strategies and resources will help employees and individuals limit the spread of H1N1, the seasonal flu, and other illnesses throughout the workplace and the community.
