As many stats indicate, winter is notorious for an increase in staff taking sick leave & carer’s leave. It cost's businesses thousands in lost productivity. There are many things you can do to help minimise the risks to your business with PREVENTION being the key. Here are 4 things you can do to help:

1. When a staff member is unwell or comes to work sick...SEND THEM HOME. Controlling the spread of the flu or common cold by minimising your employees exposure to those unwell, is the BIGGEST proactive approach you can take. It will benefit you and the entire office and prevent anyone else from 'catching' the flu.

2. Make accessible hygienic wipes/sprays to all employees. Encouraging a clean environment will promote good work area hygiene and help prevent any contamination. Opt for a weekly or fortnightly office tidy up. Allocate a timeslot where the entire office can participate to promote a clean working environment. 

3. Be proactive and provide flyers or fact sheets on how to prevent the flu or common cold. These can be downloaded from a trusted website or from your local doctor’s surgery. Having these accessible, not only shows you are interested in your employees well being, but may encourage them to get their annual vaccination 

4. Encourage a healthy lifestyle within the workplace. Anything from Gym memberships, team activities or the offering of free fruit (Oranges, apple and or mandarins) will go a long way to help in the prevention. 

Remember employee’s have the right to take sick leave (also referred to as Personal Leave) for their personal illness, for a family member or as a caring responsibility.

Be sure you know the rights of Employers and Employees around sick & carer’s leave. For more information  click here