Establish policies to be implemented during a pandemic
What policies should be put in place during a pandemic by the organization? Every
organization differs in what they need to do to keep their people safe and operations running, but what are some of the key guidelines they can take note of when formulating and implementing policies?
An organization can:
- Establish policies for employee compensation and sick-leave absences unique to a pandemic (e.g. non-punitive,
liberal leave), including policies on when a previously ill person is no longer infectious and can return to work
after illness. - Establish policies for flexible worksite (e.g. telecommuting/remote working) and flexible work hours (e.g. staggered shifts).
- Establish policies for preventing influenza spread at the worksite (e.g. promoting respiratory hygiene/
cough etiquette, and prompt exclusion of people with influenza symptoms). - Establish policies for employees who have been exposed to pandemic influenza, are suspected to be ill,
or become ill at the worksite (e.g. infection control response, immediate mandatory sick leave). - Establish policies for restricting travel to affected geographic areas (consider both domestic and
international sites), evacuating employees working in or near an affected area when an outbreak begins,
and guidance for employees returning from affected areas (refer to CDC travel recommendations). - Set up authorities, triggers, and procedures for activating and terminating the company’s response plan,
altering business operations (e.g. shutting down operations in affected areas), and transferring business
knowledge to key employees.
Reference Guide
Goh, M. H. (2016). A Manager’s Guide to Implement Your Infectious Disease Business Continuity Plan, 2nd Edition. GMH Pte Ltd.
Do You Want to Continue Training During A Pandemic Outbreak?
Due to the pandemic outbreak, BCM Institute will be conducting its certification courses via interactive video conferencing, online and e-learning mode. Find out more about the Business Continuity Management (BCM) and Crisis Management (CM) Blended Learning (BL) courses.
For this period, the content will include the managing and implementing of the Pandemic Influenza plans.
