The arrival of cold weather also means the arrival of cold and flu season. Sometimes, sick employees continue to show up for work, bringing their germs along with them. When sick employees come to work instead of staying at home and recuperating, this is called presenteeism. Employers report it as a growing problem, for many reasons.

First, there’s an increased risk of spreading illness to other workers and customers. According to the annual CCH Unscheduled Absence Survey, 87% of employers reported that sick workers come to work with short-term illnesses that can easily spread. Also, there’s an increased chance for errors along with loss of productivity and creativity when employees are sick on the job. All this can add up to a hit to the bottom line. In fact, research shows presenteeism can cost employers $2,000 per worker per year.

Solving the Problem of Presenteeism
The most common tactic employers use to address presenteeism is simply sending sick workers home. The CCH survey found that 54% of employers utilize this approach to reduce presenteeism. Here are a few other tips to combat presenteeism.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) Policies – Sixty-nine percent of employers reported that having a paid time-off system helps deter presenteeism, according to the CCH Survey. An employee can use PTO at their own discretion, which enables them to feel less obligated to come in when they are sick.

• Carry Over PTO-Sick Leave – In addition to having a PTO policy, you may want to consider implementing a carry-over policy, so that employees can carry over some or all of their unused sick days each year. Having extra sick leave can help employees take the time they need to fully recuperate.

• Education and Wellness Programs – Keeping workers healthy is the most cost effective tactic employers can use. Wellness programs help companies proactively help employees manage their health and avoid becoming ill to begin with. It’s also important to educate your workers on where the company stands about coming to work sick and the importance of avoiding spreading illnesses to others.

• Working from Home – Telecommuting is another method many employers use to help combat presenteeism. If an employee is contagious or recovering from an illness, consider allowing them to perform their work functions from home. This method is best used for illnesses or conditions that don’t hamper cognitive processes but may be contagious – like chicken pox. The CCH Survey shows that 30% of companies are allowing sick workers to telecommute.

• Flu Shot Programs – A preventative approach for employers to battle presenteeism is to provide on-site flu vaccinations. Vaccination programs were available to 66% of the companies surveyed by the CCH Survey.

• Use Temporary Help – The CCH Survey reports that only 25% of companies have a plan in place in the event that a large percentage of employees become sick. But you can always turn to a staffing agency for help. When you regularly utilize temporary staffing to cover workloads when employees call in sick, your workforce will be reassured that their work will be taken care of while they recover.

Stocking up on tissues isn’t the only way to prepare for flu season. Consider alternative programs to promote health and prevent illness. Employers can keep the majority of their co-workers healthy while allowing sick workers to recover by making an effort to curb presenteeism.

Article courtesy of Express Employment Professionals
www.expresspros.com/us/