Why everyone in your workplace should get a flu shot
Why everyone in your workplace should get a flu shot
The workplace is often hit the hardest when the sick season emerges during those winter months. Maintaining a healthy office during winter is challenging because the contagious levels are generally very high! If you have noticed that the number of employees getting sick has increased recently, you should consider organising flu vaccinations for everyone in your workplace.
Here are several reasons why!
The flu can decimate your business
The influenza virus reportedly costs Australian businesses millions of dollars in sick leave every year. Over a million business days are lost every year because of illness. Unlike the common cold, which generally lasts only a few days, the influenza virus can last several weeks. If you run a small business and several employees drop off with sickness, you can’t afford to lose them for ages. Your business cannot function without its people.
Happy staff, happy business
If your labour force is content and happy, then you’ll notice your corporate culture improving massively. Sickness brings negativity and pessimism to the workforce, which can damper the mood of the whole office. Organising corporate flu shots will ensure that more of your workers are healthy, happy and fit for their roles.
Safer work environment
Another reason everyone in your workplace should get a flu shot is that immunisations can prevent injuries while on the job. If your employees are sick or unhealthy, they are more likely to make mistakes while on the job. Indeed, this can be very dangerous if you’re employed in a highly dangerous industry.
Think of it this way, if you work in construction or some form of manual labour (often dealing with dangerous, heavy materials), your employees need to be switched on and ready for the day. A nagging headache or a terrible cough could result in many people getting injured. Therefore, everyone in your workplace should get a flu shot.
Higher productivity levels
If everyone is fit and healthy in your office, you’ll notice your productivity levels going through the roof. During the peak of the winter and cold season, over half of your staff could be sick or unavailable. The problem with this is that financial deadlines end on June 30th, so it’s often a stressful time when you need everyone on your team to be available.
It’s worth it
The benefits associated with organising corporate immunisations more than outweigh the costs. Think of it this way; if your employees can’t properly fulfil their responsibilities, then your company will begin losing money. This could be in the form of lower sales and lost clients. The business world doesn’t stop for sickness, so it’s important that you protect your employees from illness.
It shows that you care
We’ve already discussed the importance of immunisations in the office regarding health.
However, another reason everyone in your workplace should get a flu jab is that it shows that you genuinely care about your employees. You want your employees to feel valued and appreciated for their contribution. Why? Well, if your employees feel like they are a central component of the business, they are more likely to stay on, despite getting other job offers.
If your employees feel under-appreciated, your business will likely suffer from higher levels of staff turnover. Who wants to stay in an environment where they feel undervalued? Not many people.
Conclusion
Ensuring that your employees are fit and healthy for their roles is a big part of your responsibilities as an employer. It’s certainly something you should be investing in every year. You’ll ultimately be rewarded with better key performance indicators by showing that you care for your staff.
- Behind the Syringe
- Flu Insights
Introducing Aitor Aspiazu, your go-to flu expert and a Registered Nurse accredited by AHPRA (NMW0001159845). Boasting over two decades of experience in healthcare, Aitor has navigated everything from Emergency Departments to Corporate Wellness Programs—and yes, he’s even battled the flu himself. As the Founder and Lead Nurse Consultant at Corporate Care, he’s the driving force behind workplace health and well-being. No longer in scrubs, he’s now at the forefront of healthcare innovation, leveraging Artificial Intelligence and automation to revolutionise workplace health and well-being. As the Founder and Lead Nurse Consultant at Corporate Care, he’s the visionary behind cutting-edge flu vaccination programs that keep businesses running smoothly. Off-duty, he’s a proud dad and a Padel addict who represented Australia in the World Padel Championship. Trust Aitor; he’s got your back when it comes to flu prevention and modern healthcare solutions.