Companies Advised to Keep Employees with Swine Flu at Home

Staff Writer, May 7, 2009

Human resources experts are issuing statements saying that businesses and companies should make themselves “pandemic-ready.” Because new cases of the swine flu are being reported every day, medical professionals are advising people to take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the disease. They are warning managers and business owners to discourage the “hero employee” role where an employee comes in to work, despite infection.

Managers and business owners should be aware of the dangers of this disease and be ready to deal with large numbers of employees gone from work. Some arrangements to provide employees with opportunities to work at home should be granted, if possible.

In Mexico, where the death toll from swine flu has reached several hundred, many businesses have shut their doors, but continue to operate from their homes. They arrange video conferencing on their computers, and wear protective face masks whenever they have to venture out.

Being prepared for the worst will help a business succeed in the case of a national or international pandemic.