Business of Well-being

The 411 on Flu in the Workplace

Influenza is a very serious, but preventable illness that claims the lives of tens of thousands of people each year. As many as 65 million Americans fall victim to influenza and flu-related complications, such as pneumonia. This results in approximately 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths annually, which is two to three times as many from HIV/AIDS each year, and more than the number of Americans who die from breast cancer.


Prevention is the single best way to help prevent influenza from spreading throughout your company and the best way to protect yourself and your employees is to provide on-site immunizations. According to Preventdisease.com, 70 percent of all healthcare costs come from preventable illnesses like influenza.


In 2009, the CDC reported that U.S. businesses could save up to $12 billion annually by providing flu shots to employees prior to the flu season, cutting provider visits by 34 to 44 percent, and lost work days down to between 32 to 45 percent.

Keep Your Employees Happy, Healthy and Productive this Flu Season

Preventive care has gained exposure in recent years. More and more companies have recognized the value of preventive care and have implemented programs to keep their employees healthy and happy. Companies large and small can realize significant benefits from offering their employees wellness services such as on-site vaccinations. There are many ways that these types of programs add value to employees and organizations as a whole, including:

Improved Productivity

When companies encourage their employees to lead healthier lifestyles and offer on-site vaccinations, employees may avoid preventable conditions like influenza. According to MetLife's eighth annual Employee Benefits Trends Study, 57 percent of employees who participate in these programs say they are very effective at impacting their productivity.

Increased Responsibility and Stronger Company Loyalty

Corporate wellness programs show that a company values the health and well-being of its employees. Company loyalty translates to less employee turnover and therefore lower recruitment costs, in addition to a more harmonious working environment. The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses found that 60 percent of workers consider health and wellness programs an incentive to stay at their current job.

The Bottom Line

Disease prevention is the key to public health. It is always better to prevent a disease than to treat it. Vaccines prevent disease in the people who receive them and protect those who come into contact with unvaccinated individuals. Immunization also slows down or stops disease outbreaks.


Less illness in the workplace equates to fewer sick days and increased productivity. It's never too early to think about flu prevention. Employee medical costs can affect 50 percent of a company's profits, which is why corporate wellness and preventive programs have become an essential investment in protecting the bottom line of a company.


According to the CCH's 2007 Unscheduled Absence Survey, unscheduled absences cost employers $422 for each employee annually. Companies with flu and wellness programs have seen an average of 28 percent less sick leave taken, a 30 percent decline in workers compensation claims, and $5.93 saved for every dollar invested.

About The Author

Steve Pellito is the National Director of Wellness Services for Maxim Health Systems (MHS), a division of Maxim Healthcare Services. As a National Director, Pellito is responsible for business development and sales team management. Other responsibilities include developing and maintaining relationships with manufacturers and distributors who supply Maxim with wellness equipment, including vaccines.


He also serves on the Executive Committee of the National Influenza Summit representing the Community Immunizer Workgroup, where he works alongside notable healthcare professionals and experts to specifically address issues and concerns as they relate to influenza. Throughout his career, Pellito has gained broad experience in teamwork, leadership, and management.


He joined Maxim in 2000, where he began as a healthcare recruiter. He quickly advanced to the role of Accounts Manager in the homecare division before being appointed as the Northeast Regional Account Executive for MHS.

About Maxim Health Systems

Maxim Health Systems is a division of Maxim Healthcare Services, Inc. Established in 1996, Maxim Health Systems offers a full line of comprehensive wellness services to Corporate and retail clients, in addition to schools, senior living facilities, and physician offices.


We provide a variety of services including immunization programs, health screenings and health fairs. Our flu vaccine program has administered more than 12 million immunizations in the last four years alone.


Together with Maxim Healthcare Services, we have branch locations in most metropolitan areas across the nation. For more information contact us at www.findaflushot.com/contact.php. Follow Maxim Healthcare Services on Twitter at @findaflushot.

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