With several of my Facebook friends’ statuses (stati?) announcing their current stage of illness, I thought I’d look at some swine flu numbers, specifically on preparedness plans. And magically, the Wall Street Journal obliged me today!
How many “swine flu” costumes did you see this Halloween?
H1N1 flu, has infected millions of people and killed at least 5,700 world-wide.
Worried they could face throngs of ill and absent employees, companies are devising plans to keep their offices and factories running. So far, outbreaks appear to be more common in schools than workplaces.
81% of attendees polled at a September conference by the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota said their greatest concern about H1N1 flu was employee absenteeism.
Only a third of 1,057 businesses across the U.S. surveyed by the Harvard School of Public Health in July and August said they could avoid operational problems over a two-week period if half of their work force was out because of H1N1.
To pre-empt high absenteeism, many companies are trying to get workers vaccinated, particularly those who travel internationally, but obtaining H1N1 vaccine is difficult because governments are controlling supplies and steering them to those considered at highest risk.
Another challenge: persuading sick employees to stay home. Many hourly workers have limited sick time, after which they aren’t paid, says Nina Stillman, a partner with Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP who has advised clients regarding H1N1. Higher-ups consider themselves essential, she adds.
Texas Instruments Inc. has relaxed its sick-leave policy to encourage employees with flu-like symptoms to stay home, including hourly employees who aren’t paid if they don’t work. This winter, TI is letting workers take as many sick days as they need for flu by borrowing against future allowances, says Lisa Luna, manager of occupational health.
Some companies are stocking antiviral drugs to treat flu-ridden employees.
Abbott Laboratories, a health-care company with 72,000 employees, in September began distributing H1N1 travel kits to employees traveling on business as well as to salespeople, who often visit hospitals or doctors where H1N1 patients may be treated. The kits include tissues, antibacterial soap, disposable thermometers, respirators and other items.
To keep people from getting sick on the job, Convergys Corp. has asked agents at its 82 call centers globally to wipe down their desks, headsets and phones with sanitizing wipes at the end of their shifts, says Carol Fox, senior director for risk management and business-continuity planning. The Cincinnati company says it initially thought that absenteeism could be as high as 20%, but so far “we aren’t seeing that at all,” Ms. Fox says.
Addendum:
Clorox’s earnings rose 23% on improved profit margins and increased sales of disinfecting products caused in part by concerns over the H1N1 flu virus.
Born Curious 
Recent Comments