It’s here once again - the season of sneezing, coughing, and all around gross symptoms. How many of us have succumbed to the horror of flu season? One of the easiest ways to catch it is from someone who you have to see every day at work. You can’t just keep from interacting with certain people from work, especially if it’s your supervisor or team member. So what do you do? Here are 5 simple ways to prevent the flu from getting out of control at your office.
Flickr user William Brawley
1. Keep Sick People Home!
This one seems logical, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t stay home when they’re sick. During flu season it’s even more important, since it’s so contagious. If you feel the flu coming on, stay home. It’s that simple, and way better for you and your office in the long run. And if you oversee employees, encourage them to stay home if they’re feeling sick. Losing one person for a short time isn’t that bad compared to losing a whole team of people.
2. Stock The Fridge With Flu-Fighting Foods
Guess what - foods that are easily stocked in company fridges are also great for fighting colds and flu. Yogurt, citrus like oranges, and green tea are all great for getting in the vitamins that naturally keep you healthier. Make sure those foods are always well-stocked!
3. Make Disinfecting Easy
Some people are great about keeping germs to themselves. Some…aren’t. That’s where disinfecting comes in. Keep disinfectant wipes and sanitizer handy, and regularly wipe down areas that everyone touches like doorknobs and drawer handles.
4. Educate The Office
Sometimes the simplest way to get people to be better about avoiding the flu is just telling people how to do it! Sending out office-wide emails about tips for keeping germs from spreading, how to recognize symptoms and where they can get flu vaccinations nearby can make a huge difference,
5. Arrange for Vaccinations Onsite
We’ve been there. Flu season arrives and we keep reminding ourselves to get a vaccination, and then work/life piles up and we forget and then BOOM. We get that sore throat and sniffles and then it’s all over. This year, bring the vaccines to them with an on-site vaccine clinic. Check out Flu Shots For You to see how easy it is to arrange.
What are some other ways you help prevent the flu at your office? Share with us in the comments below!
