Influenza outbreak alert: key strategies employers must know

As Southeast Asia navigates the influenza outbreak, countries like Malaysia and Singapore are experiencing heightened influenza activity. According to the Bi-weekly Influenza Situation Update from the World Health Organization (WHO), these regions report a significant number of influenza-positive cases compared to other parts of Southeast Asia.

The Impact of Flu Season on Employers and Employees

Influenza outbreaks not only affect public health but also disrupt business operations due to increased absenteeism and healthcare costs. When employees fall ill with flu-like symptoms, it leads to reduced productivity and higher medical expenses. If not managed properly within the workplace environment, these disruptions can escalate quickly.

Employer Strategies for Preventing Influenza Spread

Employers can take several proactive steps to mitigate these risks:

• Implement Flexible Work Arrangements: Allow employees who are sick or at high risk (e.g., pregnant women or those with chronic conditions) to work remotely when possible.
• Promote Vaccinations: Offer flexible benefits that enable employees to receive flu vaccinations without impacting their work schedules.
• Enhance Workplace Hygiene: Encourage frequent handwashing among staff by providing adequate facilities.
• Educate Employees About Prevention: Conduct workshops or distribute materials highlighting how individuals can prevent flu transmission.

Cost Effectiveness of Preventive Care

Investing in preventive care upfront yields substantial long-term savings compared to the high costs of hospitalisations for severe influenza cases. By prioritizing prevention, businesses can significantly reduce absenteeism among employees. This reduction in absenteeism helps maintain productivity levels and minimizes the need for extra staffing due to illness-related shortages.

Consider a mid-sized company in Singapore with 200 employees. During a typical flu season, about 10% of the workforce might fall ill, leading to significant absenteeism and increased healthcare costs. If each employee misses an average of five workdays due to illness, this results in substantial lost productivity and additional staffing costs.

For instance, if hospitalisation costs for severe influenza cases average MYR2,000/SGD$1,000 per employee and preventive measures reduce these cases by half among their workforce:

• Potential Savings: By preventing just two severe cases (out of an expected four), the company saves MYR4,000/SGD$2,000 directly on hospitalisation costs.
• Productivity Gains: With fewer absences due to illness-related shortages, they maintain higher productivity levels without needing extra staff.
• Insurance Premiums Reduction: Over time, reduced claims can lead to lower insurance premiums.

This approach supports employee health while helping reduce financial burdens associated with rising insurance premiums.