Views from the Top: Forewarned is Forearmed

The Business Times, Singapore - 06 July 2009

What is your contingency plan in the event that the H1N1 virus is discovered in your organization? How will you balance the safety needs of yoru staff with the need to keep business running as smoothly as possible?

Dhirendra Shantilal
Senior Vice-President, Asia-Pacific
Kelly Services

Everyone needs to work in a safe and disease-free environment. Therefore, both employers and employees must proactively prevent and control any potentiaal spread of infection in the workplace, includng H1N1.

Organisations must communicate and update their employees on the precautionary steps they are taking to keep the virus at bay. They also have to plan to deal with sudden increases in absenteeism even before the virus is discovered in the workplace. This could include forming a business continuity team to prepare for any commercial disruption and determine steps to be taken in advance. It is critical to identify key employees and business processes that must continue to operate as well as put together an emergency or backup plan, such as working in shifts or alternate work sites.

At the same time, employees must take the initiative to practice personal hygiene habits and keep their workstations clean at all times. Organisations should advise those who display persistent flu symptoms to seek medical attention and rest at home to prevent or minimise the spread of the infection. In addition, organisations may also have to take into consideration the cost of medical treatment for their employees and update their insurance plans to cover such costs.

Source: The Business Times, Singapore