Graphic via BOLDT.US

Unless you’ve been under a rock for the past few months you’ve already heard of Swine Flu – it’s not a pandemic for pig farmers across the country, it’s the H1N1 strand of the flu virus.  Has the paranoia begun to affect your workplace?  Have you been purposely avoiding public areas like the lunch room or over-using hand sanitizer?

According to the Center for Disease Control, H1N1 Swine Flu is “a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of H1N1 Swine Flu was underway.”

A large component of a human resource professional’s job is to educate the employees of their organization.  A successful human resource professional is one who does not remain secluded in an office – they take the initiative to reach out and show an interest in the organization’s employees.  We should be seen as a resource, not as the stereotypical “bad news bear.”

In the case of H1N1, education is a key to protecting your work environment.  You will help to mitigate any widespread panic through education.  If you do some research you will find that there are multiple resources available on this topic.  Take an opportunity to do some homework and create a game plan for how to handle the Swine Flu and other precautions in your organization.  It will be a good exercise in crisis management.

Most state health departments have created hotlines or websites for the public to use as a resource.  For example, the Florida Department of Health developed www.myflusafety.com – providing the latest information on the virus.

Another great resource is the Society for Human Resource Management who has created an entire section on their website devoted to employer resources related to the Swine Flu.  Every day new tips and facts are released that cause a stir in the media.  For example, a SHRM article states, “Requiring employees to receive any type of immunizations could create possible problems with the Americans with Disabilities Act.”  Did that ever come to mind in your thoughts regarding the Swine Flu?

Regardless of whether or not you have super-human immune system or not, as an HR professional you can be the face of clarity on issues such as the Swine Flu.  Do some research and help to keep your organization healthy.  Oh, and don’t worry about bacon, to my knowledge there has not been any link between this glorious treat and the Swine Flu!