Flu season should be winding down, but concern about the spread of the coronavirus globally grows every day. Companies are cancelling events and curtailing travel, therefore negatively impacting organizations.
Now is the time to review best practices and provide training to prevent illness from spreading in the workplace and ensure employees are staying healthy at work. Simple preventive measures can have a huge impact on the physical and mental health of your workforce, especially if working in close office quarters.
Timely reminder about infection control
News about coronavirus and other illnesses dominates today’s news headlines, so review these best practices to train your organization and prevent the spread of illness. We recommend reviewing this free course, Coronavirus Preparedness for Employers and Employees to get your entire organization up to speed.
Hand washing
While hand washing seems like a basic skill everyone knows, many people aren’t washing their hands correctly to prevent the spread of illness. Did you know in order to be effective you need to wash your hands for 20 seconds? If you have trouble keeping count, it takes you approximately 20 seconds to sing “happy birthday” to yourself twice.
Use this elearning course by OpenSesame course publisher UL, Infection Control – Handwashing to provide a quick refresher about hand washing and the role it plays in illness prevention at work.
Cover your cough
In addition to avoiding touching your face, you can also prevent the spread of germs by properly covering your cough. Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze, then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
Avoid handshakes
While handshakes are common in the office, you may want to be cautious and avoid them to prevent the spread of germs. Fist-bumping is up to five times less likely to give you germs than a handshake according to Former CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden.
Review sick time and work from home policies
One sick employee can spread an illness throughout an office, but members of your organization may be worried about missing work and end up coming to work unhealthy. By reviewing sick and work from home policies, you can help your employees make the right decision to stay home and get healthy while preventing the spread of illness.
Eat healthy to boost immune system
The American Dietetic Association says eating healthy boosts immunity and prevents the flu. Diets that are rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other whole foods can help boost your immune system and fight off illness. Check out this 5-minute course by OpenSesame course publisher Litmos Heroes, Healthy Eating at Work, to learn how to eat healthy, drink more water and have increased energy at the office, as well as prevent illness.
How OpenSesame can help you
OpenSesame helps companies like yours develop the world’s most productive and admired workforces. For more information on how we can help you curate the right courses for your training program and keep your workplace safe, contact us today at info@opensesame.com.