Minimise the Effect of Swine Flu on Your Business

A second wave of swine flu is predicted this autumn.  Organisations need to have practical plans in place to deal with high levels of staff absence and minimise the disruption to their business and their customers.

How should you prepare your business?

A recent report published by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and Cabinet Office has revealed that half of all UK organisations are still not doing enough when it comes to business disaster and disruption protection.  In 2007 only 29 per cent of Boards were taking responsibility for business continuity management and this figure decreased by 8 per cent in 2009.

The more you and your employees know about how to prevent infection and the plans you have in place, the more resilient your business will be.

The key actions you need to take to help reduce the risks are:

• Plan for the impact of swine flu on your business, customers and employees.
• Establish contingency plans and policies to be implemented during a pandemic including situations such as
  • informing and managing staff who may have been placed at risk
  • assisting employees who become ill while at work or abroad
  • managing school closures and other isolated outbreaks which may have an impact on your workforce
  • maintaining medical confidentiality including how medical information should be dealt with and shared.
• Train key employees to implement the plan quickly and effectively once your business continuity plan is in place
• Allocate resources to protect your employees and customers
• Display signs to discourage employees and visitors with flu symptoms from entering the workplace
• Adopt good hygiene practices in the workplace
• Review travel arrangements and remember your employees who travel overseas
• Keep up to date with current developments
• Communicate and co-ordinate with other organisations within your community
• Educate your employees
  • how to recognise symptons
  • what to do if they have symptoms
  • personal hygiene measures to reduce the spread of infections 

The key prevention message you should be giving to all your employees is "Catch it, bin it, kill it."

Where can I find out more?

There are a variety of Government websites offering up to date advice and information on swine flu, its symptoms, treatment and good hygiene practices to help prevent spreading the disease.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Swineflu/DG_177831

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pandemic-flu/Pages/Causes.aspx

http://www.hse.gov.uk/news/2009/swineflu.htm

In the current financial climate, it is easy to let business continuity planning slip, but some time invested in preparation now could determine whether your business survives a pandemic or not.

If you would like to know more about how System Concepts can help you plan for successful business continuity following external events outside your control, please contact us.

Last updated: October, 2009

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