As temperatures drop, so does workplace productivity, not because of the weather, but because of seasonal illnesses like flu and colds. The NHS has already warned that the UK is likely to see a major flu outbreak this winter, echoing the challenges of recent years. For businesses, this doesn’t just mean more sniffles; it means lost time, reduced efficiency, and higher costs. So how can employers reduce staff sick days? One of the simplest, most cost-effective steps is improving infection control in the workplace. From installing removable protective screens to reinforcing good hygiene habits, a few small actions now can help prevent weeks of disruption later.

The Cost of Winter Illness to Businesses

According to the Office for National Statistics, 148.9 million working days were lost to illness or injury in 2024. “Minor illnesses” — such as colds, coughs, and flu — were the most common cause of those absences.

In fact, flu alone can cause individuals to miss an average of 2–3 working days per episode, and up to 75% of employees with flu or flu-like symptoms take time off work. Even after returning, it often takes several days for productivity to fully recover. For a team of just 20 employees, that can quickly translate into dozens of lost hours and significant business disruption.

Why Infection Control Still Matters Post-COVID

While many workplaces have relaxed their Covid-era safety measures, the need for infection control hasn’t gone away. Open-plan offices, shared workstations, and meeting rooms remain ideal environments for viruses to spread.

Protective measures such as desk dividers and hygiene screens can make a real difference — especially during the winter months when ventilation tends to be reduced. Removable COVID-19 and flu protection screens help limit airborne droplets from coughs and sneezes, reducing the risk of transmission between employees.

The Benefits of Removable Protective Screens

If you’re looking to balance safety with practicality, removable screens are a smart solution. Here’s why businesses are investing in them again this winter:

• Temporary and flexible: They can be fitted without any permanent fixtures or damage, ideal for leased offices.
• Professional and discreet: Modern designs blend with your existing workspace aesthetics.
• Easy to clean: Smooth surfaces make sanitising quick and simple.
• Cost-effective: A small one-off investment can help reduce absenteeism and maintain productivity throughout the flu season.

By installing protective screens in key areas — such as reception desks, meeting rooms, and open-plan workspaces — you help minimise the spread of infection and reduce staff sick days.

Beyond Screens: Additional Tips to Minimise Staff Absences

To further strengthen your workplace health strategy this winter:

1. Encourage flu vaccinations: Consider offering on-site flu jabs or promoting local NHS services.
2. Reinforce hygiene practices: Provide hand sanitiser stations and cleaning supplies.
3. Improve ventilation: Regularly air out enclosed spaces where possible.
4. Support flexible working: Allow mildly ill employees to work from home when appropriate.
5. Communicate clearly: A proactive internal health policy reassures staff that you take their well-being seriously.

Preparing for Flu Season 2025-26

If your business hasn’t yet reviewed its workplace protection strategy, now is the ideal time. Demand for protective equipment often rises sharply as flu season peaks, so early planning ensures you have what you need in place.

At BPF Online, we supply removable protective screens and brackets designed for fast installation and long-term reliability. Our screens help reduce the spread of infection in offices, schools, and public-facing environments, supporting a healthier, more productive workforce this winter.

Final Thoughts

Flu season may be unavoidable, but widespread sickness in your workplace doesn’t have to be. By taking simple, proactive steps like installing protective screens and promoting good hygiene, you can keep your team healthy, reduce absences, and maintain productivity all winter long.