Employers Should Get Out Ahead Of Flu Season

With flu season upon us, employers looking to minimize lost productivity should implement policies that encourage sick employees to stay home, including paid time off for short-term illnesses, to prevent illness from spreading through the office. While flu vaccines are a great preventative option, state and local laws vary on whether employers can mandate vaccinations and the Americans With Disabilities and Civil Rights Acts protect workers who oppose flu vaccinations for medical or religious reasons. Taking no action may cost businesses, though, as the flu leads to 111 million lost workdays and $7 billion in sick days and lost productivity each year.