http://blog.hr360.com/hrblog/sickwo...

Video Highlights:
01:26 The office environment is the ideal conduit for germs to spread, even when only a single person is sick. Consider a study performed by researchers at the University of Arizona which tracked the progress of mock viruses from one individual in an office setting.

01:54 The study noted that germ hotspots included places such as doorknobs, copy machine buttons, desktops, tabletops, telephones, and spots in the break room such as the office refrigerator and coffee pot handle.

02:07 With simple interventions, the risk of infection dropped to below ten percent. These interventions included providing employees with tissues, disinfecting wipes, and a bottle of hand sanitizer, as well as encouraging them to wash their hands before eating lunch and after meeting with a large number of people.

02:24 The researchers also emphasized the importance of employees staying home while sick to prevent introducing germs into the office in the first place.

02:43 Best health practices include avoiding contact with sick people; staying home when sick, and encouraging employees to do so; covering coughs and sneezes; proper handwashing hygiene; and disinfecting common surfaces.

02:56 As an employer or manager, you play an important role in encouraging your employees to adhere to these guidelines. You can reinforce good habits by prominently posting the CDC guidelines in common areas; providing supplies such as tissues, disinfecting wipes; and hand sanitizer; and even offering free or lowcost flu shots for those employees who wish to get vaccinated. Finally, encourage sick employees to remain at home until they are symptom free for at least 24 hours.

03:25 Keep in mind that many states and cities may require employers to provide a certain amount of sick leave, either with or without pay, to their employees. Be sure that your policy complies with any applicable state or federal laws and is clear in specifying the eligibility rules, whether sick leave is paid or not, how many days are provided each year, and any carryover provisions.