Corporate Attitudes toward the H1N1 Flu

Over 70% of companies taking anti-H1N1 flu measures.

After the first case of infection was confirmed in Mexico in April 2009, the H1N1 influenza virus has been spreading all over the world. In Japan, about 270,000 people are considered to have visited medical institutions from September 14 to 20 due to the disease, and not only the government but also companies and individuals recognize the need to take measures to prevent the spread of infection.

TEIKOKU DATABANK conducted a survey on companies' attitudes toward the H1N1 influenza virus.

Some 40% feel a strong sense of crisis about H1N1 flu, while some 40% feel a weak sense of crisis.

When asked how strong their sense of crisis is over the spread of H1N1 influenza, 46.9% said they felt a strong sense of crisis (the total of all companies that answered "very strong," "strong" or "rather strong"). Meanwhile, 44.0%, or 4,791 companies said they felt a weak sense of crisis (the total of all companies that answered "very weak," "weak" or "rather weak"). Thus, the percentage of companies that felt a strong sense of crisis about the disease was almost the same as the percentage with a weak sense of crisis.

Note1: Blank pie indicates "Don't know" (9.1%, 998firms)
Note2: Population parameter: 10,890 firms

Since July, over 70% of companies take anti-H1N1 flu measures.

73.0% have taken measures against H1N1 influenza since July, up 17.6-points from the spring of 2009, when 55.4% said they had taken such measures.

Note1: The answer "Did not take measures" was chosen by 4.0% (439 companies) in the survey in the spring of 2009 and by 4.5% (485 companies) for the period after July.
Note2: Population parameter: 10,890 firms

Most applied the following measures: "Stock sanitary goods and food" for business, "Provide disinfectant for washing hands" for employees

When asked what measures against H1N1 influenza they are actually implementing (multiple answers allowed), 45.9% of the 10,890 companies said they "stock sanitary goods such as masks, gloves, and food," which was the most applied measure to protect their business. Meanwhile, 51.7% said they "provide disinfectant or other devices for washing hands" as a measure to protect their employees.

Note1:10 most applied measures after July
Note2: Population parameter: 10,890 firms

56.3 % said business will be "affected" if employees are infected with H1N1 flu.

56.3% of the 10,890 companies said their business performance will be "affected" if their employees are infected with the H1N1 influenza virus. Thus, nearly 60% think there will be an impact on their business if their employees are infected with the disease. Meanwhile, a little more than 10% said they will not be affected by the infection.

Note1: The asterisk (*) denotes companies that answered "Don't know". - 29.5% (3,209 companies)

55.5% of the 10,890 companies said it will have a "bad impact" on their business if H1N1 influenza spreads to the entire population. Thus, more than half of the companies think the spread of the disease will have a bad impact on their business. Meanwhile, only 12.3% said that it will not have any impact on their business.

Note: The asterisk (*) denotes companies that answered "Don't know". - 31.0% (3,379 companies)

31.2% of the 10,890 companies said they have "no obstacle in particular" in taking measures against H1N1 influenza. More than 20% said their efforts to tackle H1N1 flu are hindered by "shortage of manpower or time" and nearly 20% said they "did not know what to do."

These results imply that the government needs to carry out targeted PR activities specifically designed to propose measures that are customized for every company size and industry type.