Don’t be a germ hero! Are your employees taking care of themselves?

A sick employee at work wearing a cape

It's that time of year again. The temperature is frigid, winter break is over, … and your employees might spend less time at the company water cooler and more time nursing their favourite tea at home. Yep, it’s flu season.

It’s completely natural for employees to feel a pang of guilt about calling in sick. They might worry about letting the team down, missing a crucial meeting, or falling behind on deadlines. But here’s the thing: it’s your job as an employer to encourage them to prioritize their well-being. Sometimes, the most heroic thing an employee can do is stay home and recover. Because let's be real: no one’s going to think they’re a superhero when they’re spreading germs around the office – in fact, they might be inadvertently causing more harm than good. We've all seen it – the "germ hero" dragging themselves in, determined to power through, only to take down half the team in the process.

So, how can you support your employees during cold and flu season (and beyond)? How can you create a culture where taking care of yourself is seen as a strength, not a weakness? Here are a few key things to consider as a Manitoba employer:

1. Sick Days (Unpaid Family Leave):

In Manitoba, employees are entitled to three days of unpaid family leave for health-related reasons in a calendar year. This leave can be used for their own illness or to care for a sick family member. It's important to be aware that federally regulated industries in Canada have different rules - they are entitled to 10 days of paid sick leave.

2. The Doctor’s Note Dilemma:

Here’s a little secret: one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever gotten from a doctor when I’m battling a cold or the flu is simple: rest and fluids. Let’s not make our employees drag themselves to a crowded waiting room just to get a sick note – especially when they're already feeling terrible and potentially contagious! Think about it:

• It’s not a great experience for your employee (especially when they’re feeling awful).

• It puts unnecessary strain on our already busy medical system.

• And, most importantly, unless an employee has been absent for more than seven consecutive days or there’s a recurring pattern that raises concerns about the legitimacy of the absence, you generally cannot ask for a doctor’s note under the Manitoba Employment Standards Code.

3. Paid Sick Leave & Other Benefits:

If your company doesn’t currently offer paid sick days, I strongly encourage you to consider implementing them. It’s a fantastic way to support employee well-being and boost morale. It also discourages the "germ hero" mentality, sending the message that their health is valued. However, if that’s not feasible right now, make sure your employees are aware of other options:

• EI Sickness Benefits: Your employees may be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits through Service Canada. Make sure they know where to find information about eligibility requirements and how to apply. (https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-sickness.html).

• Short-Term Disability (STD): For longer absences due to illness, your company’s health insurance plan may offer short-term disability benefits. Encourage employees to check their benefit booklets or contact your provider for details.

4. Virtual Healthcare & Resources:

While you’re at it, remind your employees of any virtual healthcare benefits your company offers. These can be a lifesaver during flu season! If you don’t have a company plan, direct them to resources like QDoc (qdoc.ca), which provides access to virtual healthcare providers in Manitoba. This is a great alternative to in-person visits, especially when trying to avoid spreading germs.

5. Remote Work Considerations:

Even when contagious, some employees might be able to work remotely. Now’s a good time to review your remote work policy (and if you don’t have one yet… it’s 2025 – you definitely should!). Having a clear policy in place ensures everyone is on the same page and helps maintain productivity even when employees are under the weather – without risking the health of the rest of the team.

By taking these steps, you can create a supportive and healthy work environment, even during flu season. Remember, prioritizing employee well-being isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also good for business! It's about fostering a culture where staying home when sick is seen as responsible, not weak. It's about saying "Don't be a germ hero!" and instead, prioritizing the health of the entire team.