The flu season can present many challenges for individuals - severe illness and healthcare visits - but it can also be very detrimental for companies that deal with higher levels of absenteeism and productivity losses. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seasonal flu outbreaks cost businesses upwards of $10.4 million every year.

This total could rise in 2013, given that flu outbreaks have seen an uptick this year and there is now a new strain of norovirus, called GII.4 Sydney, which is not related to the flu strain, that could prevent people from making it to work.

To prevent these illnesses from sweeping staff members, employers can recommend or even provide flu vaccinations. They can also outline protocol in employee handbooks, explaining procedures for taking sick leave and preventing the spread of germs.

In service environments, supervisors might ask that employees try to get a shift covered before calling in sick. Or, they may need to provide managers with doctors' notes for missing scheduled time and attendance.

If tasks can be performed remotely, employers might want to include guidelines for telecommuting and provide a mobile timekeeping system that allows workers to continually tally their employee attendance while working off site.

All data and information provided on this news blog is for informational purposes only. Infinisource makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. Information regarding employment suits and other legal action is not updated after publication, and may not be current.