Flu season and the return to the office: Why vaccination matters more than ever  

With the Government reinforcing new guidelines on government agencies regarding working from home, many more people will be heading back into the office. As workplaces fill up again, flu prevention has never been more important. A strong workplace health strategy – including vaccinations, hygiene measures, and proactive policies can help reduce illness, absenteeism, and disruption to business operations.

Why Flu Prevention Matters in the Workplace
Every year, thousands of New Zealanders are affected by the flu, leading to days off work, lost productivity, and an increased risk of severe illness for vulnerable individuals. The flu spreads quickly, particularly in shared workspaces, making prevention a shared responsibility. Taking the right precautions can help protect your team’s health and keep your business operating efficiently.

Key Steps for Employers
Offer Workplace Flu Vaccinations
Providing free or subsidised flu shots to employees is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the influenza virus. Organising an onsite vaccination clinic makes it easy and convenient for staff to get protected early in the season.

Encourage Hygiene Practices
Good hygiene habits go a long way in stopping the flu from spreading. Employers should:
Provide hand sanitiser stations in high-traffic areas.
Encourage regular handwashing with soap and water.
Display posters reminding employees to cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing.

Increase Workplace Cleaning and Sanitisation
Viruses can linger on surfaces, so regular cleaning is crucial. Ensure that shared spaces such as desks, keyboards, doorknobs, and break rooms are disinfected frequently. For workplaces with hot desking, it’s even more important to sanitise workstations between users to minimise the spread of germs.

Encourage Employees to Take Sick Leave
If an employee is feeling unwell, they should stay home to avoid spreading illness to colleagues. Workplaces should:
– Ensure sick employees take leave rather than coming to work.
– Provide clear guidelines on when employees should return after illness to prevent reinfection in the office.
– Support a workplace culture that prioritises health over presenteeism.

Spread Awareness About Flu Prevention
Knowledge is key to prevention. Employees should feel empowered to share flu prevention tips and encourage each other to get vaccinated. Employers can support this by:
Providing educational resources on flu symptoms, the benefits of vaccination, and hygiene practices.
Hosting short health and wellness sessions.
Sharing flu prevention updates via email or noticeboards.

What Employees Can Do to Stay Healthy
Flu prevention isn’t just the responsibility of the employer—employees play a key role too. Here’s how staff can protect themselves and their colleagues:
Get vaccinated – A flu shot reduces your risk of infection and helps protect those around you, including vulnerable family members like parents, children, and immunocompromised individuals.
Stay home when sick – If you have flu symptoms like fever, chills, or body aches, avoid spreading it to others by taking sick leave and resting at home.
Boost your immune system – A healthy lifestyle helps strengthen your body’s defences. Eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly.
Disinfect your workspace – Regularly wipe down commonly used surfaces, such as your desk, phone, and computer, to reduce the spread of germs.

A Healthier Workplace Starts with Preparation
By taking proactive steps now, businesses and employees can significantly reduce the impact of flu season. Prioritising health and well-being isn’t just about avoiding sick days—it’s about creating a workplace that supports everyone’s safety and productivity.

Working Wise Makes Workplace Flu Vaccinations Easy
At Working Wise, we take the hassle out of flu vaccinations by bringing them directly to your workplace. Whether you need onsite clinics, flu vouchers for remote employees, or expert nurses handling every step of the process, we’ve got you covered.
Onsite vaccinations at your office
Flu vouchers for remote workers
Expert nurses for smooth, efficient immunisation
Clinic options available
Get in touch today to keep your team protected this flu season! Visit Working Wise for more information.