The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is an exceptional event posing a threat to worker health and safety and a risk to business operations.
The UK Government has estimated that a fifth of the workforce could be absent at the peak of the disease, raising a significant challenge for organisations. It will be a huge test of their agility and people support capability.
As a new virus, it’s unclear how long the threat will last so organisations must plan for weeks and possibly months of disruption.
Employee health, safety and well-being during this time is paramount. Employers need to be proactive in protecting their people and minimising the risk to staff and business continuity.
It will be a time to recognise that many of their people will be anxious about contracting the virus and how they might cope financially if they are to be absent from work. Constant communication with the workforce and early action are key.
By swiftly adopting agile and flexible working practices, and where able, doing what they can with sick pay for example, organisations will be better positioned to contain the coronavirus and minimise disruption to business.
Even so, the risk cannot be completely eliminated. Governments, employers and employees must all be ready to take additional steps to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus.
The UK Government has estimated that a fifth of the workforce could be absent at the peak of the disease, raising a significant challenge for organisations. It will be a huge test of their agility and people support capability.
As a new virus, it’s unclear how long the threat will last so organisations must plan for weeks and possibly months of disruption.
Employee health, safety and well-being during this time is paramount. Employers need to be proactive in protecting their people and minimising the risk to staff and business continuity.
It will be a time to recognise that many of their people will be anxious about contracting the virus and how they might cope financially if they are to be absent from work. Constant communication with the workforce and early action are key.
By swiftly adopting agile and flexible working practices, and where able, doing what they can with sick pay for example, organisations will be better positioned to contain the coronavirus and minimise disruption to business.
Even so, the risk cannot be completely eliminated. Governments, employers and employees must all be ready to take additional steps to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus.
Click on the images below to access free resources to help support you and your organisation. For further support, please contact us.
Covid: Should I be working from home or going back to the office?
Coronavirus and mental health tips
Looking after yourself during the Covid-19 Outbreak
Business Disruption
Right to Work checks during Coronavirus
Coronavirus Toolkit
What is furlough?
Managing Coronavirus -
A Checklist
Coronavirus and Annual Leave
Furlough and the Job Retention Scheme Q&As
Flexible Furlough under the Job Retention Scheme
Furlough application scheme now open
Furloughed workers to receive full parental leave entitlement
Government to launch online service for SMEs to reclaim Covid-19 statutory sick pay
Coronavirus - Statutory Sick Pay
