The Government Tells Businesses to Plan for Swine Flu

Are you worried about the swine flu, the first global pandemic in 41 years? Many public health experts predict more outbreaks this fall, as the disease mutates and kids go back to school. The World Health Organization estimates two billion people will eventually get the virus. And regrettably, swine flu vaccines under development may not reach the public until late November.

Across the pond, two thirds of British companies have already dealt with work absenses due to the swine flu. Law firms and other businesses in the United Kingdom are trying to vaccinate their staffs because they can't afford to give people time off.
Stateside, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke argued today that employers need to develop plans for managing both seasonal and swine flu.

• Let sick employees stay home after any symptoms
• Take steps to protect at-risk employees (workers over 65, pregnant women, those with respiratory problems) by encouraging vaccinations
• Revise leave policies so that employees don't need to get sick notes from doctors
• Allow flexible sick policies so that employees can care for their kids
• Reduce unnecessary travel and limit face-to-face meetings
• Educate staff about personal hygiene
• Start cross-training to make sure work can continue even if employees get sick
• Add a swine flu informational widget to your company's website