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A Proactive Approach to an Epidemic
November 19, 2009
By Jennifer Oleksa
Although the media is reporting that there is a decline in confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus, the CDC says that the virus remains widespread. In addition to these concerns about the H1N1 virus, flu season is approaching. Do you have a plan in place for your staff?
According to the October poll by the Society for Human Resource Management, sixty-four percent of organizations polls felt that the H1N1 virus could negatively impact business operations. “Thirty-nine percent have modified their policies or plan to modify their policies to require a medical statement that an employee who has been sick can return to work. Twenty-seven percent of respondents have changed or plan to change their leave policies to accommodate persons in high-risk groups for H1N1 complications, such as pregnant women.” (http://www.shrm.org/hrdisciplines/safetysecurity
/articles/Pages/PandemicPoll.aspx)
Here are some suggestions for overcoming the obstacles of a health epidemic, such as the flu, in your organization:
Plan
· Establish a plan for epidemic health concerns by creating policies for absences due to widespread sickness. These policies should be grouped with disaster and emergency preparedness plans. Update this plan at least every five years.
· Cross-train employees on crucial operations so that all functions can be operational by shifting employees when needed.
· Employing the help of a temporary agency to fill in during critical times.
Educate
· Communicate specific policies concerning sick leave and use of FMLA benefits.
· Provide current and relevant information to employees concerning the risks and prevention methods associated with an outbreak.
· Employ the Safety Department to post signage above hand washing stations in restrooms or post literature on the back of bathroom stall doors.
Prevent
· Provide hand sanitizer in stations with limited access to soap and water and also in break areas.
· Replace face-to-face meetings with conference calls. Not only does that reduce the likelihood of spreading germs, it is a cost savings for your travel budget.
· Allow Senior Management access to work remotely to maintain critical functions.
· Allow employees the opportunity to take the flu shot on-site or close up shop an hour early.
Need more help in determining a plan for your workplace? The Center for Disease Control has more information, including a communication toolkit with posters, email templates and more. Toolkit: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/business/toolkit/
Own a small business? Download the Small Business Guide: http://flu.gov/professional/business/smallbiz.pdf