As the winter approaches, HR services must prepare to promote good health practices in the office. According to a survey by retailer Staples, employees are increasingly feeling less inclined to take off work when sick. The study revealed 90 percent of office workers show up even when they're sick, which is up from 80 percent last year and 60 percent in 2011, HR Morning reported. Forty-five percent of respondents said that getting behind on the workload is the reason they do not stay home.
Encouraging under the weather employees to stay home could have a big impact on office health. People with colds are most contagious two to three days after catching the bug, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Allowing employees to work from home during those days could significantly reduce disease transmission.
The flu, on the other hand, tends to be contagious immediately after infection. Even before symptoms appear, afflicted workers could be spreading germs. The best way to defend an office from this illness is to promote healthy practices. Encourage employees to clean their desks and keyboards regularly. The break room, however, should be wiped clean daily.
