Across the world, many companies are now considering a coronavirus crisis management plan. Although it’s not possible to know how widespread the virus could eventually become, it’s a good idea to have a general crisis management plan in place. Some advanced planning with clear objectives can make all the difference to protect your business, your employees, investors, customers, and the public.
Crisis management plans provide a path to confront many disruptive and unexpected events.
Thus, business experts suggest some general strategies to help in any potential crisis:
- Outline clear objectives to protect all involved with specific actions
- Always be honest, transparent, and open
- Appoint a spokesperson to ensure consistent messaging
- Appoint a team to manage effective social media messaging
- Keep your employees, customers, and suppliers informed
- Regularly update all involved to avoid rumors
How are Businesses Preparing for Coronavirus?
Already, many large companies around the world are implementing a coronavirus crisis management plan. For example, an employee reported flu-like symptoms at Google’s European headquarters in Dublin. Consequently, many of their 8,000 employees began working from home.
Google’s response came after an employee tested positive for the coronavirus in Zurich last week. Similarly, tech giants, Twitter, and Coinbase began precautionary work-from-home policies.
Quarantines to Slow the Rate of Infection
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong Tweeted about his coronavirus crisis management plan. Allowing employees who are vulnerable or more likely to get sick to stay home could slow the rate of infection.
“We’re asking some employees to start working home this week,” Armstrong tweeted. “Working from home is not a complete solution, but it may help slow the growth of infections.”
Restricting Travel and Interactions
Other reports suggest Facebook has also begun taken steps. One way the social media giant is preparing is by asking employees to stop bring guests to work. Meanwhile, Amazon appears to be delaying on-site job interviews.
Similarly, Twitter required staff in Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea to work remotely. Also, the company is “strongly encouraging” all of its 5,000 employees to stay home. Part of their larger plan includes transitioning to a global remote workforce.
While companies keep employees at home, others like A&T and Citigroup are restricting international travel. Of course, all travel to Asia is particularly limited. Thus, employees who traveled to Asia may be required to stay at home for at least 14 days and undergo medical testing for coronavirus exposure.
Sick Leave, Furloughs, and Working from Home
How will coronavirus crisis management plans affect employees? Often, what happens will depend on where you live and your employer’s benefits. Unfortunately, workers in the United States are less likely to stay home when they are sick. Why? They are less likely to have paid sick leave policies compared to other developed countries.
In any case, under CDC guidelines, employers should inform coworkers if any employee contracts coronavirus, though that person’s name should remain confidential.
Fortunately, polls suggest most employers plan to pay employees in the event of a quarantine period. As a result, employees will be more likely to stay at home if they feel symptoms. However, other employers surveyed would not commit to full pay or had no plan in place.
Employees who become ill may be able to take sick leave, vacation days, or emergency leave. However, American employers aren’t obligated to pay paid sick leave. Thus, thousands of Americans could face a hazardous choice: stay home without pay or go to work and spread infection.
Sick Leave Laws by State
In twelve states and cities, paid sick time laws can help employees. Benefits may extend to part-time workers, or in cases where you care for sick family members.
Also, the federal Family and Medical Leave Act provides job-protected leave for some family and medical reasons. A serious health condition like coronavirus may qualify for eligible employees. However, this doesn’t cover about 40 percent of all workers.
As you can see, part of any coronavirus crisis management plan should be addressing serious employee concerns. If they are required to stay home, how will they make ends meet? How will they care for themselves or their families?
Considering all of this, is your business prepared with a coronavirus crisis management plan? With some advanced planning, you’ll be ready to manage whatever may come.
