The most critical issue caused by pandemics to a business is excessive absenteeism.  Staff shortages lead to disruptions in business services.  A sick employee remains contagious for up to eight days; one day prior to symptoms and seven days after symptoms appear, so it is important to get your health policies in place before an outbreak occurs in the workplace.

The following is a list of some important things to consider when managing the potential impact of a pandemic on your business:

• Do your policies protect employees and the business?
• Have you identified critical employess and their alternates?
• Who is at high risk for complications (mature workers, pregnant workers)?
• What are the critical services that need to be covered?
• What would happen if you had to operate with half your staff?
• How will you communicate updates and direction to your employees?

These are suggestions for you to incorporate into your preparedness plan:

• Cross-train employees to fill in for critical jobs.
• Update your employee contact lists.
• Encourage sick employees to stay home.
• Develop flexible leave policies to allow workers to stay home to care for sick family members.
• Recognize the possibility of school dismissal and temporary closure of child care facilities.
• Encourage good hygiene and routinely have commonly touched surfaces cleaned.

Fast Fact:  30% of Canadians get the flu each year. 12% of the total work force will be off with illness at the same time.

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