Stay at Home or Go to Work?

Did we ever think that the day would come when employees would become fearful of calling in sick, when they are really sick? Well, that time is here. Almost ½ the employees who responded to a recent SHRM poll said they went to work sick because ‘they felt they had to’.

With our economy in it’s current states. Most Companies have had to layoff employees or offer early retirement. These layoffs and early retirements affect us all, especially those of us who are left to pick up extra workload. When employees are sick I encourage them to take the time off they need to improve their health.

Why? Because you will find that employees who are at work sick are less productive and spread their germs.I’d prefer to have one employee off for a couple days rather then three. In recent times with the H1N1 ‘swine flu’ pandemic, everyone is taking precaution. However, we are still finding our that people are still reporting to work with the ‘flu’ like symptoms.

Many organizations try to discourage working while sick they feel it’s a distraction. It is best for sick workers to stay away.Can you imagine if a corporation had to close down like the recent school closings? If a company had to close down for one day over someone reporting to work ignoring they are sick and have the ‘swine flu’ H1N1 like symptoms. Do you know the loss the corporation would incur? Anywhere from thousands to millions of dollars, in these economic times no corporation can afford that kind of a loss.

I have held several training classes developing managers to mean what they say. If you have a policy, enforce it, starting with yourself. You first must be a follower in order for others to follow. The session is a three-hour course that includes roll plays and reenactments of pass issues a manager may have faced. This course has increased employee morale and motivation, along with, employee and manager relationships. More now than ever before, companies should begin looking into developing policies or a plan to cope with widespread employee illnesses according to CCH.

Why? Disasters can put employees out of work anywhere for at least 2 weeks.But as the H1N1 “swine flu” virus spreads, it becomes even more critical. Outbreak occurs over a period of time up to one year and can affect different geographic areas. Organizations do not want to have to deal with a disaster and limited or lack of resources to perform tasks.HR Professionals get your pens and papers out and map out a strategic plan, streamlined to assist in keeping your organization afloat during crisis, pandemics or disasters.

For those employees who still insist on coming to work sick follow these rules to minimize spreading your germs.

• Cover your mouth and nose during coughing and sneezing.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick. (not allergy symptoms)

HR here are few things you can do:

• Offer a flu-vaccination program (be sure to keep up with all the recalls)
• Encourage fellow employees who have sore throats, fevers, or other flu symptoms to go home.
• Offer 'live well' incentives. (Discounted gym memberships, health fairs, etc).

Diversity

Diversity is the combination of qualities, experiences and work styles that make individuals unique—age, race, religion, disabilities, ethnicity, etc.—as well as how organizations can leverage those qualities in support of business objectives. Organizations with greater diversity have at their disposable full range of ideas, perspectives, definitions and approaches.

All organizations leadership should be trained in diversity, not one, not twice but annually. Diversity is key in flourishing and expanding business. If you ever lookup the word Diversity you will find many definitions. In simple forms diversity is the similarities and differences between people.

Which include but are not limited to the following:

• Age
• Color
• Disability
• Education
• Ethnicity
• Family Status
• Gender
• Generation
• Language
• Backgrounds
• Life Experiences
• Organizational function and level
• Lifestyle
• Physical characteristics
• Race
• Religion, belief and spirituality
• Sexual orientation
• Thought patterns

Diversity is the potential for greater innovation and creativity. Organizations have realized over time that this is a business benefit. People from diverse backgrounds come together to communicate and work, and understand each others’ needs and perspectives.

Let’s not forget about the EEO laws and regulations. In the US the legal framework for EEO began in the 1960s with the Equal Pay Act of 1963, then the Civil Rights Act of 1964. EEO concerns fairness and equality of treatment for specific designated protected classes as defined by law. EEO means that the employer gives equal consideration for a job and in terms and conditions of employment to all individuals, and that the employer does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, marital status, national origin, disability or sex.

EEO is primarily matters of legal compliance, although it does help to create a workplace that is more supportive of all people and more diverse in terms of the specific included dimensions of diversity. Diversity and inclusion are aimed at realizing competitive advantage and business opportunity more so than following legal requirements and regulations.

Diversity relates to factors like sales, market share, profitability, corporate social responsibility and reputation. Effective diversity initiatives require starting, planning, speaking and acting solely from key business priorities. Increase your diversity efforts.