Winter’s a challenging season for small businesses. The days are shorter, temperatures drop, and winter illnesses like colds and flu tend to spread easily. Mix in the effects of seasonal fatigue and lower energy levels, and it’s no surprise that sick days are so common this time of year. 

But we have some good news for you, you can get ahead of winter illnesses and keep your team healthier and happier with some simple strategies. We’ve pulled together top tips and a handy checklist to help your business sail through these challenges. 

Why does winter bring more sick days? 

Before you take action, you need to know why illness spikes in winter. 

People tend to spend more time indoors during the colder months, often in close proximity to others, creating the perfect environment for germs to spread. On top of that, shorter days mean less sunlight, which can lead to weakened immune systems – especially when snacks lean toward sweets and cookies rather than fruit and vegetables. 

Rather than waiting for the symptoms to hit, you can take proactive measures to help protect your business and your employees. 

Top tips for managing winter absences 

Here are some tried-and-tested strategies alongside fresh ideas to help you manage sick days more effectively this winter. 

Tried-and-tested strategies 

  1. Encourage healthy work environment 
  • Place hand sanitizers around high-traffic areas like entrances and shared kitchens. 
  • Promote regular handwashing habits. Everyone needs a little refresher now and then! 
  • Offer flu vaccinations for your team. Pharmacies and clinics in the US provide worksite flu shots. It’s a great way to show your team you value their well-being. 
  1. Offer flexible work options 

Not everyone feels ill enough to call in sick, and that’s normal. But allowing remote work options on under the weather days can prevent germs spreading in the office. Showing employees you trust them to work from home when needed builds goodwill and keeps your workplace healthier overall. 

Tools like Timetastic make this process effortless. It’s easy for employees to log sick days or adjust their schedules, while real-time updates help you manage workflows without hassle. 

  1. Clear absence policies  

When employees know exactly what to do if they feel sick, the whole process becomes smoother. Make sure your team understands your absence policies and procedures. 

Questions you need to think about: 

  • Who should they contact? 
  • When should they notify you? 
  • What information do they need to provide? 

The Timetastic platform streamlines this whole process for you. Your employees log their sick days quickly and everyone else stays up to date with wall chart announcements or email notifications. You can even set a cap for each type of leave so nobody needs to check before they book. No lost messages, no crossed wires, no stress. 

Don’t have an absence policy yet? No problem! Timetastic has a free absence policy template to simplify the process. 

  1. Keep track of absences  

Keeping tabs on sick days can alert you to patterns. Are certain times unusually high for absences? Are particular teams or roles being overextended? Spotting these trends makes it easier to balance workloads and ensure fairness. 

With Timetastic, you get real-time updates for visibility to avoid overlap. No more surprises like three team members being off on the same day. 

  1. Support mental health initiatives 

Winter can be tough emotionally as well as physically. Employees dealing with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or general winter blues may struggle with focus or morale. 

Here’s how you can help: 

  • Encourage employees to take regular breaks. 
  • Remind them to use vacation days to rest and recharge. 
  • Use digital tools like Timetastic’s burnout board to identify early signs of stress. 

Being proactive and prioritizing mental health helps build a more engaged, motivated, and happy team. Show your team that’s what’s important! 

Fresh ideas for the season 

  1. Immunity-boosting perks 

Small, thoughtful investments can go a long way. Try offering items like fresh fruit or healthy snacks in shared spaces, herbal teas that promote immune health, or reusable water bottles to encourage hydration.  

These simple touches show you care about your team's well-being. 

  1. Stagger Shifts and Breaks 

Try to organize staggered shifts if you can. It can create more space between employees. Rotating breaks also reduces congestion in shared areas like kitchens or break rooms, helping to limit the spread of contagious illnesses. 

  1. Encourage outdoor activities 

Even in colder weather, a little fresh air can do wonders. Encourage your team members to step outside for a walk on sunny days or open a window (if it’s not TOO cold). It boosts the general mood and energy while offering a break from enclosed indoor spaces where germs can linger. 

A handy checklist for tackling winter absences 

Here’s a quick checklist to keep your business running smoothly this winter season: 

  • Provide hand sanitizers and encourage regular handwashing. 
  • Offer flu vaccination opportunities to employees. 
  • Set up clear procedures for calling in sick. 
  • Promote flexible work options to minimize germ spread. 
  • Track absences fairly using Timetastic tools. 
  • Monitor workplace stress with Timetastic’s burnout board. 
  • Create an open culture of mental health support. 
  • Encourage breaks, exercise, and healthy snack options. 

A few final thoughts 

Winter doesn’t have to overwhelm your small business. By taking simple steps to prioritize health, flexibility, and communication, you can create a workplace that’s better equipped to handle both sick days and employee well-being. Take a few tasks off your plate and let Timetastic simplify the process.