Workplace of Choice

Summer is over, fall is in the air, and the leaves are changing; all which means flu season is just around the corner!  Last June the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide alert level to a pandemic alert with the outbreak of the H1N1 virus (a.k.a. swine flu).  So what does "Pandemic" mean and what, if any, are the implications to business?  Wikepedia defines a pandemic as "an epidemic of infectious disease that spreads through human populations across a region."  According to the CDC, the H1N1 flu outbreak will continue throughout the fall season in conjunction with the seasonal flu and potentially make for an even worse flu season than last year.  So is this all hype?  Do we really need to worry about a pandemic or is it just being blown out of proportion by the media? How can we adjust our HR policies to prepare for a pandemic?

The simple answer is, yes, you do need to prepare.  As a business owner or executive you need to have policies in place that will help you deal with how your business will react should a large number of employees become sick or are absent.  Having a plan will ensure a faster return to business as usual as well as fair treatment of employees.   There are many sources to help you prepare.  You can access the government's site at http://www.pandemicflu.gov/professional/business/smallbiz.html. 

Some key points to keep in mind when developing your plan are:

• Assess how your company functions, both internally and externally, to determine which materials, staff, procedures and equipment are essential to keep the business operating.  How will you reorganize in the event such resources aren't available?
• Identify suppliers, shippers and other vendors you deal with on a regular basis and set up contingency plans should their operations be interrupted.
• Plan what you will do if your building, store or plan isn't accessible.  Are people able to work from home?  If so, are they currently set up to do so?
• Plan for payroll continuity.
• Define crisis management procedures and who should play a role in these procedures.  Review these plans annually to ensure they are up to date with the times.

By doing some leg work up front and designing your HR policies with a preparedness plan in mind, you will save a lot of headaches should they need to be implemented.