To counter the spread of COVID-19, you could consider the following measures:
Be prepared to allow your staff to work from home. Work out who can work from home and who cannot. Is this due to computer issues or the type of work they do?
Staff who are able should take their laptops home in case they become ill, or come into contact with the virus and need to work from home.
Ensure your telephone and electronic systems can support working from home. If not, do you have any alternatives?
Update your travel policy. Decide where and when your staff can carry out business travel, what they should do on their return, and if you wish to offer advice on personal travel, especially on return-to-work measures.
Set up your systems to ensure your clients can contact you. Update them regularly.
Minimize personal contact with clients. Set up alternatives – video conferences, Zoom meetings, teleconferences, etc.
Decide if you should cancel planned events. Communicate this to attendees in plenty of time and update them on future dates.
Set up procedures for staff who have contracted the virus, those who are at higher risk of contracting the virus, and those who have come into contact with someone infected with the virus. Follow your local health guidelines.
Ensure that staff working in the office are aware of guidance on personal hygiene and what to do if they become ill. Again, follow your local health guidelines. This could include the following advice:
- Wash hands with soap and water often (or hand sanitizer if this is not available).
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve (not hands) when you cough or sneeze.
- Put used tissues in the trash immediately.
- Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with your hands if they are unclean.
Ensure that your Human Resources department is satisfied that your procedures are compatible with local regulations.
Above all, communicate your plans to both staff and clients.
In all cases, please ensure that your actions comply with local regulations.
Sincerely,
Your BKR Team
