Keeping Your Employees Healthy During America’s Financial Crisis

The economic downturn, which started months ago with the almost fatal collapse of giant Countrywide Financial, has progressed to derail institutions like Lehman Brothers and most recently Wachovia, the U.S.’s fourth largest bank. As Wall Street continues to hemorrhage, companies nationwide brace for a rough fourth quarter and have already began to downsize.

Keeping core employees healthy and on the job is of utmost importance during this downturn so that customer service and productivity are not compromised. So how do you keep those core employees’ productivity up? You encourage them to participate in a company-wide flu immunization program says Fran Lessans, CEO of Passport Health, a nationwide travel medicine company that provides vaccinations, education and medications to international travelers.

"Your employees are crucial to your company’s day-to-day operations,” explains Lessans, whose company also provides on-site flu clinics for some of the largest corporations in the U.S. “If your employees have taken on added responsibilities as a result of downsizing it would not be good if they get sick and have to miss work because of the flu."

In a well publicized article, CNN reported that the flu costs the U.S. economy nearly $10 billion dollars each year in lost productivity and wages. “Influenza is spread when people work closely together or touch infected surfaces,” cautioned Lessans. "If you have a small office the flu can literally shut down your entire operation and that is why employers should encourage all workers to get their annual flu shot."

To learn more about the flu and flu clinics for your employees please visit us online or call 1-888-499-PASS(7277).