It's flu season again. How will your business operate during a flu-related staffing shortage?

The Small Business Administration is offering tips on how to prevent your employees from getting sick and how to operate if people are out.

1. Appoint a point person: Assign someone on staff to be responsible for setting up steps on how to deal with sick staff members. This person will also seek advice from health workers on how to deal with and prevent the flu.

2. Review sick leave policies: Remind employees about company sick policies. Also, set up a plan that allows workers to telecommute in case of an illness or an illness of a family member.

3. Get your employees a flu shot: Offer a clinic that allows your employees the opportunity to receive the flu vaccine. Also, the Centers for Disease Control offers free marketing materials that explain flu prevention and precautions.

4. Establish a list of essential employees and business functions: Set up communication plans with these people in case there is an interruption in business due to an illness.

5. Communicate with employees: Use your Intranet and office to spread the word about flu-related plans.

6. Have a continuity plan: Come up with a plan so the flu doesn't interrupt your business operation.

7. Have a communications plan: Create a communications plan that spreads the word to suppliers, customers and employees in case of an illness.

For more information, go here.

source: SBA