As flu season picks up each fall, employers are often looking for practical ways to support employee health while managing the impact of illness-related absences on their business. Group health benefits, along with a few workplace wellness efforts, can play a meaningful role during this time of year.
Why Flu Season Matters for Employers
Seasonal flu tends to peak between October and February, and illness-related absences can add up quickly across a workforce. Beyond the direct impact on productivity, flu season is also a good moment to remind employees about the preventive benefits already included in their group health plan.
Preventive Care and Group Health Plans
Many group health plans include coverage for certain preventive services, such as flu vaccinations, at no additional cost to the employee when received in-network, under the Affordable Care Act’s preventive services provisions. Reminding employees that this benefit exists, and how to access it, can encourage more people to take advantage of it before flu activity increases.
Practical Ways Employers Can Support Employees This Season
A few approaches employers sometimes consider during flu season include:
- Hosting an on-site flu shot clinic or partnering with a local pharmacy for a discounted option.
- Sending a reminder about preventive care benefits included in the group health plan.
- Encouraging employees to stay home when sick, supported by clear sick leave policies.
- Promoting basic hygiene practices, such as handwashing stations and hand sanitizer availability.
- Reviewing telehealth benefits, if included in the plan, so employees have an easy way to consult a doctor without an in-person visit.
The Cost of Absenteeism During Flu Season
Illness-related absences tend to rise during flu season, and beyond the direct cost of lost productivity, unplanned absences can strain teams that are already stretched thin. While no employer can eliminate seasonal illness entirely, reminding employees of the preventive benefits and flexible options, like telehealth or sick leave, already built into their group benefits package can support a workplace culture where employees feel comfortable seeking care early and staying home when needed.
Reviewing Your Group Health Plan’s Preventive Benefits
Fall is a reasonable time for employers to double-check exactly what preventive services are included in their current group health plan and confirm that this information is communicated clearly to employees. Plan details can vary, so it helps to look at your specific plan documents rather than assuming coverage is identical to a previous employer’s plan.
Communicating Benefits Clearly
Even a well-designed benefits package doesn’t do much good if employees aren’t aware of what’s included. Consider using open enrollment materials, an internal newsletter, or a simple reminder email to walk through what’s covered under preventive care, how to find in-network providers, and any telehealth options available.
Considering an On-Site or Sponsored Flu Clinic
Some employers choose to bring a flu shot clinic directly to the workplace, either through a partnership with a local pharmacy, clinic, or their group health carrier. This can make it more convenient for employees to get vaccinated without needing to schedule a separate appointment, and it can serve as a visible reminder of the preventive benefits already available under the group plan. Whether this approach makes sense often depends on the size of your workforce and the resources available through your current group health plan.
A Good Time to Review Your Group Benefits Package
Flu season is a practical, low-pressure opportunity to revisit your group health benefits and make sure the plan still fits your workforce’s needs heading into the next plan year.
Paradise Palms Insurance Agency can help you review your group health benefits and identify preventive care options worth highlighting to employees. Contact us at (949) 338-9202 or request a consultation online.
