Corporate America is discovering 'absenteeism', missed days due to illness, are really less a problem today than "Presenteeism". That's what they're calling sick employees who come to work anyway costing employers billions of dollars in lost productivity each year because they feel lousy and their work shows it. Worse yet the cycle continues.
"Employees come to work with influenza and even after they've had a few days off they may not be feeling well and can be contagious," says Dr. Wayne Burton, Internal Medicine Specialist.
Dr. Burton says studies show us that colds and flu are among the leading detractors for keeping employees from being productive at work. And that workers fighting a cold or flu cost employers a total of nearly $56 billion a year in lost productivity.
There are things businesses can do to cut down on sharing bugs. First, just like we tell our kids encourage frequent hand washing among employees. And arrange a flu vaccine clinic at the workplace. So far, we've been lucky. The flu season has been mild across the country but typically, February is the peak month.
So, if you still haven't gotten your flu shot, it's not too late. You can call the Lubbock Health Department for details. That number is (806) 775-2904.
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