This winter season, NHS leaders have issued a warning that cases of flu, norovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are increasing, with a rise in Covid-19 also expected. This has been dubbed a “quad-demic” by the press and it’s a reminder for employers that they need to do everything they can to ensure their workforce stay healthy to ensure productivity remains high. In this feature, we look at what employers can do to avoid seasonal illnesses spreading at work.
Background
Already, many of us will have suffered from a cold or respiratory illness this year — and, if not, it is likely we know someone who has. Whether picked up from the gym, children who brought home more than festive cheer from school, or just as we move around in our everyday lives, these illnesses are contagious and can spread quickly. But there are actions that can be taken to prevent this.
How to help staff avoid seasonal infections
Respiratory illnesses, such as colds, are transmitted in the same way as Covid-19, meaning that the good practices developed during the pandemic for the prevention of spreading infections will also serve to prevent other illnesses. The lessons learned during that time can continue to be applied, such as hand washing and the use of sanitisers.
So, with seasonal sickness on the rise, now is a good time to make sure that measures are in place and working well and that the organisation is doing what it can to keep staff safe and healthy. Some particular areas to focus on are outlined below.
Encouraging the uptake of vaccines
The Government has once again rolled out seasonal vaccinations for flu and Covid-19, and for some, it has also offered a vaccination against shingles and eligible employees should be encouraged to take advantage of these offers. For those not within the groups that are being offered these vaccinations for free, pharmacies and chemists are also able to offer them for a fee.
Some organisations are offering flu vaccinations for staff through their occupational health teams, but where this is not an option, organisations could do the following to help promote the vaccine:
- use internal communication channels to promote the NHS’s flu campaign
- provide advice and information on how to get a flu jab should individuals not be eligible
- educate staff on the differences between flu, the common cold and Covid-19 and what to do when feeling unwell.
Reducing presenteeism
Before Covid-19, presenteeism (showing up to work even when ill) was a regular occurrence in many workplaces. However, since the pandemic, staff turning up to work visibly unwell with a cold could cause anxiety for others, especially those who are vulnerable, live with someone who is, or have plans to visit those who are.
There will be a multitude of reasons why people come into work even when they are unwell, including sick leave policies, organisational culture and availability of cover. To reduce these pressures on staff, organisations should review factors that might encourage presenteeism and consider how best to address them.
This review should also be carried out for offices adopting hybrid working policies. Although hybrid working undoubtedly offers more flexibility, even remote presenteeism can have ill consequences for efficiency as well as longer-term health.
To help staff know what to do, there should be clear policies and procedures on what to do if they are feeling ill. This should include policies for what to do when employees are sick when working within a hybrid model.
Building infrastructure
Building infrastructure — particularly ventilation — has an incredibly important role to play in keeping building occupants safe. Good ventilation is a particularly critical tool as it does not rely on behavioural changes in staff. Some points to consider include:
- ensuring any system that is in place is well-maintained
- personalising metrics — eg ensuring adequate air change for each person
- using CO2 as a proxy for how well the system is performing.
Keeping offices clean and supplies well-stocked
One way to encourage good behaviour in staff is to lead by example. Cleaning schedules may need to be revamped and a risk assessment can be drawn up to identify the necessary actions. Now is a very good time to review cleaning operations, checking that any necessary actions are taking place and that there are no barriers to them working effectively.
Similarly, ensure that office supplies — such as those for hand sanitiser — are well-stocked. Also communicate with staff and let them know how to report when supplies are running low and what protocols to follow to keep the office clean, e.g. sanitising shared facilities after use.
Health and wellbeing messaging
There are some things that everyone can do to help boost their immunity and promote good health, eg through having a good work-life balance, exercising, eating a healthier diet and ensuring good sleep. Employers can play a role in encouraging good behaviours by:
- having a right to disconnect policy
- promoting employee wellbeing programmes
- conducting a wellbeing survey to identify how staff are doing.
Summary
We are seeing a surge in seasonal respiratory illnesses and with the combination of viruses being seen this winter, hospitals are already seeing a surge in admissions. Employers can take a number of steps to help staff stay well this winter, including:
- educating staff about Covid-19 and other serious illnesses such as the flu. These and others will be circulating over the coming months, so extra precautions need to be taken to stay well — e.g. by taking both the booster Covid-19 and flu vaccine if offered
- having clear policies on what to do when feeling unwell
- reviewing cleaning schedules and processes
- promoting any employee wellbeing programmes.
