Pandemics are now a discussion topic at the water cooler. Some people seem completely unconcerned and others are very fearful. In addition to the possibility of a pandemic causing excessive absenteeism, there is also the concern that sick workers will spread germs to healthy workers. This requires preparation to avoid having to operate in crisis management mode.
What Steps Can Be Taken to Prevent a Pandemic?
Is there anything that can be done to prevent a pandemic in the workplace? Any time there are large numbers of people that live or work closely for extended periods of time, there is a concern for spreading of diseases. A corporate setting is no exception. That is why so many corporations will take steps to limit the number of workers that are affected by pandemics. These steps may include:
* Providing hand sanitizer to all employees, and encouraging its use.
* Offering flu immunizations during work hours at company locations.
* Encouraging employees to stay home when sick.
* Providing paid sick days to workers.
* Encouraging healthy eating and exercise habits that will increase immune systems.
* Providing health insurance.
* Providing fitness club memberships free of charge or at a reduced rate.
* Discouraging sharing office supplies such as pens and pencils.
* Encouraging employees to use the last five minutes of a shift to sanitize the work area before another employee uses it.
* Keeping posters that encourage these sanitation steps visible in all pertinent locations.
While these steps may seem very simple, the effects may prove very beneficial. Not only will your employees live much healthier lives, your work attendance will be much higher, and your bottom line will improve.
Preparation for Pandemic Effects
All of the preparation above to prevent a pandemic will likely pay huge dividends. However, no amount of prevention will guarantee that your workers will all remain healthy. For this reason, you should also prepare for a higher than normal absentee rate. Decide in advance what management will be allowed to do in case of absenteeism.
* Will overtime be allowed for healthy employees to cover for those that are ill?
* Will temporary employees be brought in to take up the slack?
* At what point will the corporation shut down business operations because of absenteeism?
While management always hopes that the prevention steps will allow the complete avoidance of dealing with excessive absenteeism, you must always be prepared for the worst. Invest some time and effort into pandemic preparation to avoid having to kick into crisis management mode due to inadequate staff to effectively run your corporation. Many companies even extend their pandemic preparation activities to suppliers and customers to some extent. The management, staff, employees, suppliers, and customers will appreciate your concern for their well-being. This will not only create a better rapport, but will go a long ways to protecting the corporate bottom line.
Why Are We Having More and More Crises?
It seems as if nearly every time you watch the news there are numerous reports of various crises all around the community and the globe. The fact of the matter is that you can not go a day without a report of a catastrophe. Things seem to be more and more negative all the time. Why?
The Role of Technology in Managing Crises
When a crisis happens, whether on a local or a global scale, people find out in a hurry. It is phenomenal how fast you can find out about an event that took place on the other side of the world. Often within minutes or even less people are alerted and directed about impending weather, natural disasters, fires, chemical spills, dangerous gunmen, or other crisis. In that situation, few stop to realize the technology behind these communications.
The Importance Of Solid Communications Channels During An Emergency
Emergencies occur as a fact of life. There is not necessarily any kind of control over whether the situation occurs, but there is a choice in how crisis management is handled. For an unexpected situation to be handled in a timely and appropriate manner there must be solid channels of communication.
