The World Health Organization (WHO) has everyone closely monitoring the developments of H1N1 Influenza A (initially known as “Swine Flu“). The infectious virus, believed to have originated in Mexico, has spread to different parts of the world. Although it has not caused widespread panic, the WHO is taking this virus very seriously. Even schools are closing in an attempt to protect children from catching the dangerous disease.
Although large corporations have more flexibility when it comes to employee sick days, small businesses are at a major disadvantage since there are far fewer people to keep the work flow moving. An extremely dangerous health pandemic such as H1N1 Influenza A can wreak havoc on a small business because of employees taking more sick days than usual and also having to stay home with children whose school systems have temporarily closed. It is estimated that a small business can lose anywhere from 10 - 35 percent of revenue during a serious pandemic - mostly due to employee absenteeism.
Making matters worse is the current state of health care benefits for small business employees. A good majority of small business employees are not covered under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). In a pandemic situation, FMLA does not cover part-time employees; companies with fewer than 50 employees; employees with less than one year tenure at a company; and employees who must take time off to care for other members of their family.
Being Prepared
For any small business to successfully survive a health pandemic it must be prepared to deal with any possible crisis. This includes assessing business needs, prioritizing, developing proper work schedules and making sure all employees are cross-trained to cover for one another. Small business owners must take strong consideration into letting employees work remotely, if at all possible. Allowing people to work from home can go a long way towards sustaining productivity levels - as well as employee morale towards the company in a time of crisis.
Crisis Planning & Communications
Every small business should have a well thought out crisis plan in place in the event of any emergency or natural disaster. This type of health pandemic would certainly fall under this category. Communications with employees, customers, shareholders, partners and stakeholders must be defined and ready for action when needed. It is important to make sure that your customers and key stakeholders know that business will not be disrupted. Keep communications open with them so that they know you can be counted on to deliver, even in a crisis.
If a crisis event takes place and the news media call you for a story, it is important to take their call and make every effort to assist the reporter so that they can do their job. If you have information that can help with their story, be sure to provide for them. As with any crisis situation, let them know you are still gathering all the facts and will alert them with regular updates as soon as you have more information. Open communication is the key.
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