How to Protect Your Employees and Business During Health Emergencies

Epidemic/Outbreak/Pandemic: What is the difference?

The words “outbreak,” “epidemic,” and “pandemic” are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings.

• An outbreak refers to a sudden increase in the number of cases of a disease within a specific geographic area.
• An epidemic is similar, but it occurs on a larger scale, affecting a greater number of people within a larger geographic area.
• A pandemic is an epidemic that has spread across multiple countries or continents.

All of these can be considered a “health emergency event.”

How can you protect your employees and business?

During a pandemic or other widespread health emergency, various factors can disrupt crucial business functions. These factors include increased absenteeism, supply chain disruptions, and reduced customer demand. To mitigate the impact of these disruptions, it’s essential to create a health emergency plan.

• Protect Employee Health: Businesses must consider how to keep employees healthy during a pandemic or other widespread health emergency. Providing reliable information to employees on how to protect themselves from infection is crucial, especially for those who may be exposed to at-risk individuals in the workplace or at home.
• Remote Work: With employee absenteeism rates potentially increasing during a major disease outbreak, it’s important to consider whether your business can function effectively with a reduced workforce and whether working from home is a viable option for employees.
• Supply Chain Disruption: A reduced workforce and potential restrictions on travel can have a significant impact on the supply chain your business relies on. Businesses that operate on a “just-in-time” basis may be particularly vulnerable. Consider the potential impact on your business and plan accordingly.
• Commerce Patterns: In the event of a global health emergency, individuals may try to reduce their contact with others. Certain industries, such as leisure and tourism, may be disproportionately affected. Consumer shopping habits may also change, with an increased reliance on e-commerce and home delivery services. Businesses should consider implementing additional infrastructure to accommodate these changes.

Develop a Business Continuity Plan

Business continuity planning is essential for addressing potential disasters such as hurricanes, floods, fires, and chemical spills. However, it’s equally important to be prepared for viral outbreaks and major disease events. Preparing for a health emergency situation is similar to general business continuity planning and may even be a part of the same process.

When creating a business continuity and/or health emergency plan, it’s crucial to have support from upper management and assign someone to oversee the process. The plan should include both an emergency response and steps for business recovery.

Human Resources should be a key partner in health emergency response planning. Together, businesses should consider alternative working models, such as remote working, and specific local hygiene protocols to implement.

It’s important to remember that while many factors may be beyond control, implementing a health emergency response plan can make a significant difference in ensuring the survival of a business and the safety of employees.

Stay Informed

In addition to the steps outlined above, it’s also important for businesses to stay informed about potential health emergencies and the latest developments related to them. There are several sources of information that businesses can use to stay informed and prepare for a potential health emergency. Public health officials and organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are the best sources for the latest information and guidance on potential health emergencies.

In addition, businesses should also consult with industry-specific organizations and associations to stay informed about the latest developments and best practices related to their industry. Businesses should also stay informed by monitoring news and media outlets for updates on potential health emergencies, and by consulting with insurance providers to understand their coverage in case of a health emergency.

By staying informed and up-to-date on potential health emergencies, businesses can better prepare and respond to them, thus protecting their employees, customers, and themselves.