In the coming days, Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases are expected to rise in North America and abroad. According to the CDC, It’s not a matter of ‘if,’ it’s a matter of ‘when’.
Now is the time for businesses to start taking the necessary precautions to keep employees safe and ensure business continuity during an epidemic. It’s critical that businesses implement cloud-based software tools to communicate and manage remote employees.
The following guide contains 5 steps organizations can take to ensure business continuity and disaster recovery for Novel Coronavirus.
Novel Coronavirus Business Contingency Plan
- Employee Cross-Training
Be prepared for absentee employees by cross-training employees in multiple functions. Increasing the skill capacity of your workforce allows you to create an efficient, durable, and flexible operation. A temporary loss in productivity is a small price to pay for the benefits you will gain in risk mitigation. - Non-Punitive HR Policies
Ensure HR policies for PTO and sick leave are consistent with public health suggestions. A flexible and unpunishable sick leave policy can reduce the chances of infected employees returning to work. Furthermore, employees may need time off to assist with sick parents, spouses, or children. - Sterile Work Environment
Maintain a sterile work environment by routinely disinfecting desks, telephones, keyboards, door knobs, and common areas. Encourage employees to maintain good hygiene by handing out masks and hand sanitizer. In addition, instruct employees to avoid handshakes and large congregation. - Flexible Work Schedule
Coordinate a remote work schedule for employees who can perform their job function from home. Give a flexible schedule to employees who are essential to on-site operations. Consider staggered scheduling, compressed hours, or a results-only work environment (ROWE) to reduce the amount of interaction amongst employees. - Business Phone System
Being equipped to communicate virtually is the single most important step any organization can take to prepare for COVID-19. Consider implementing a cloud-based phone system to maintain a direct line of communication to your staff and customers. Furthermore, with tools like the VirtualPBX Web Phone and Softphone App, you can transform any location into a productive home office for remote work.
For more information on business and employer preparation, visit CDC.gov.
