Protecting Your Business From Swine Flu

Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you've probably heard the news about the reemergence of swine flu, or the H1N1 Influenza. So far the epidemic has mostly been contained to colleges and schools, but businesses could be the next place for an outbreak. What are you doing to protect your employees and prevent the disease hitting your office? If you haven't started thinking about it, you probably should before you find yourself with an infected workplace and fewer staffers.

This AP article suggests several preventative measures you can take, including keeping sanitizers and tissues on hand, repeatedly cleaning surfaces that employees come into contact with, and making it easy for workers to get flu shots (even footing the bill if your health insurance doesn't cover them).

These actions can help keep the flu away from your office, but you should also plan for what to do should an outbreak occur. First of all, urge employees to stay home if they are sick—you may even want be a little more flexible with paid sick time temporarily to encourage them to do so. Secondly, consider allowing employees to telecommute a day or two each week or stagger schedules to limit contact until the threat passes. Also, prepare for mass employee absenteeism by making sure your staff is cross-trained.

For more information on how to safeguard your business from a swine flu outbreak, check out this guide issued by the federal government, or this tip sheet from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.