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man sitting at desk sneezing

Every year, millions of workers in the U.S. miss work due to an illness of some sort. In January 2022 alone, about 7.8 million workers were absent due to illness1. This absenteeism can result in significant economic losses, with illness-related lost productivity costing U.S. employers approximately $530 billion annually2. As we approach the cold and flu season, it can be crucial for businesses to take proactive steps to ensure the health and well-being of their employees. Here are some essential tips to prepare your office for the upcoming sick season, and some products that W.B. Mason offers that coincide:

1. Air Purification

Investing in high-quality air purifiers can significantly reduce the spread of airborne viruses and bacteria. It can be a good idea to equip your office with high-quality air purifiers with HEPA filters, which are effective in trapping particles as small as viruses. Regularly maintaining and replacing the filters can help keep the air clean and fresh. Here are a few air purifiers with HEPA filters that W.B. Mason carries:

2. Disinfecting

Regularly disinfecting high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, keyboards, and shared equipment can be vital to reducing the number of germs that will go around the office. Look for EPA-approved disinfectants, as they are most effective against cold and flu viruses. It can be helpful to implement a routine cleaning schedule and encourage employees to disinfect their personal workspaces frequently. Here are some examples of EPA-approved disinfectants to use around the office:

3. Offering Medicines and Cough Drops

Despite all precautions your company takes, some employees may still fall ill. Providing over-the-counter medicines and cough drops in the office can help alleviate symptoms and make the work environment more comfortable for those who are mildly sick. Companies can ensure that these are easily accessible in common areas. Here are a few options W.B. Mason has, that can help accommodate these needs:

4. Tissues

Stocking up on tissues and placing them in convenient locations around the office can help reduce the spread of germs. Encourage employees to use tissues when coughing or sneezing and to dispose of them immediately to prevent germs from spreading. Here are some of our top tissue picks:

5. Hand Sanitizers and Hand Soaps

Hand hygiene can be one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of illness. Providing hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content in common areas can help reduce the spread of germs and bacteria. Encourage employees to use hand sanitizer to keep themselves and others healthy, especially during peak cold and flu season. Additionally, ensure that restrooms are well-stocked with antibacterial hand soaps and that employees are reminded to wash their hands regularly. Here are a few suggestions for hand sanitizers and antibacterial hand soaps to stock up on:

Hand Sanitizer:

Hand Soap:

By implementing these measures and stocking up on things like tissues, hand sanitizer, air purifiers and more, you can create a healthier work environment and reduce the impact of cold and flu season on your office. Taking these proactive steps can not only protect your employees but can also help maintain productivity and morale during the challenging winter months.

References

CDC: Preventing the Spread of Flu in the Workplace. (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/business/prevent-flu-workplace.html) Accessed September 17, 2024.

Wellmark. The Workplace flu survival guide you’ve been searching for. (https://www.wellmark.com/blue-at-work/healthy-employees/workplace-flu-survival-guide) Accessed September 17, 2024.

Footnotes:

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. TED: The Economics Daily. (https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2022/7-8-million-workers-had-an-illness-related-work-absence-in-january-2022.htm) Accessed September 17, 2024.
  2. Global Newswire. Integrated Benefits Institute. (https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/11/15/1652374/0/en/Poor-Health-Costs-US-Employers-530-Billion-and-1-4-Billion-Work-Days-of-Absence-and-Impaired-Performance-According-to-Integrated-Benefits-Institute.html) Accessed September 17, 2024.