The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has shared the following advice on how employers can support their business and workforce through the Coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency.
As the virus continues to spread, it could pose a significant threat to some organisations. People’s health and well-being, and measures to prevent the virus from spreading should be at the heart of every employer’s response.
Keep up to date with Government and public health advice
This is a fast-moving issue therefore employers should keep up to date with the situation as it develops and refer employees who are concerned about infection to official and expert medical sources such as GOV.UK and the National Health Service.
There are basic but effective ways to help prevent the infection’s spread, such as:
- Make sure your workplace is clean and hygienic.
- Promote regular and thorough handwashing by everyone.
- Provide all employees with an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
- Encourage people to use and bin tissues.
Develop a contingency plan
Every organisation will need to assess its own level of exposure to business disruption caused by the virus. If it has a site, conducts business or has supply chains in China or an affected region, there will be a direct impact to the company’s day-to-day operations. The plan will need to take into account the current and potential impacts and manage the specific business risks associated with the disruption, including service delivery and workforce issues. Communicate the plan to key teams and individuals across the business.
Build a contingency team
Identify a person, or small group of people, to take responsibility for operating the contingency plan and assign clear responsibilities for its implementation.
As the situation develops
Those responsible for the contingency plan should meet regularly to review the preparations and ensure they are still fit for purpose. It’s important to act early, even if planned contingencies are not then needed.
Visit CIPD for Coronavirus advice for UK employers
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