Fight the Flu at Work

It’s that time of year again: flu season. For a busy career woman, getting sick is the Achilles-heel of productivity. Research shows that two-thirds of disruption resulting in lost work time is due to illness. Here are some ways to avoid the flu and stay on top of your game:

Experts say sick employees are coming to work in increasingly high numbers. Polls cite reasons like workplace pressure, guilt and not wanting to burden coworkers. Another prominent cause is “presenteeism.” The opposite of absenteeism, presenteeism is coming to work despite not being able to function as expected.

Careerbuilder compiled a list of tips to beat sickness during flu season, like not sharing equipment such as telephones, door handles and pens, and avoiding close physical contact in elevators and lunchrooms.

During flu season, companies can help by stocking disinfectant towels, plenty of hand soap and tissues and emphasizing the importance of getting better over showing up. 

Looking to fight the flu naturally? Real Simple’s Beauty and Health director DiDi Gluck says that adequate sleep, frequent exercise and eating food high in zinc can help. She adds that people who get less than seven hours of sleep at night are three times as likely to catch a cold.

Bonus PINK Link: Check out our PINK Guide on natural remedies to keep your body healthy.

By Aleta Watson

“My own prescription for health is less paperwork and
more running barefoot through the grass.” Terri Guillemets