Many local businesses risk severe operational problems if they don’t adequately prepare for a possible widespread H1N1 outbreak.

The City of St. Joseph Health Department is asking local business and human resource managers to consider how they will cope if much of their work force is absent for two weeks due to H1N1, or swine flu.

“Absenteeism during a severe pandemic could be as high as 40 percent,” Epidemiology Specialist Ron Tolen told about 20 small and large employers during a business meeting on Monday, as the H1N1 flu virus makes its second major sweep through the United States. “Mexico doesn’t have anything to do with it anymore. You can get it from going to Wal-Mart.”

Foremost on the recommendation to employers is to establish a flexible, non-punitive and well-communicated sick leave policy.

Also, businesses may need to consider procedures to distance workers and limit contact in the workplace. If an outbreak hits, Mr. Tolen said banks, for example, may consider using only their drive-up teller service.

He said employers may also consider an alternate work site in the workplace for sick workers, allow ill employees to telecommute and perhaps establish late night shifts so employees taking care of sick children can remain productive.

Mr. Tolen said in the current economic downturn, it’s important to not let employees think that by staying home they will look like a “slacker” and risk being laid off. “Every company can’t provide paid sick leave for everybody. But we’re asking for some concessions.” That is particularly important for workers without paid leave in lower-wage industries such as food service, nursing and retail. According to the National Partnership for Women and Families, 48 percent of the nation’s private-sector work force can’t take paid leave without advance notice.

At InterServ, a social service agency in St. Joseph, managers have been mapping an H1N1 business strategy for the past three weeks.

Already, they have put up signs at their food pantry for sick recipients to call instead of visit to receive a food delivery.

They also are planning to suspend their sick leave policy from October to March, so that sick employees no longer need a doctor’s note after missing work for three days. They are also planning how to get substitutes if child care teachers get sick.

“We’re just considering a lot of what-ifs, so we can be prepared for whatever happens,” said Becky Snethen, human resources director.

Flu-like illness are already up sharply three months before the traditional start of the flu season.

Ahmad Safi can be reached at ahmadsafi@npgco.com.