Tony wearing Face Mask RespiratorA global pandemic now seems inevitable.
Get ready!

You’ve no doubt heard the advice about handwashing and avoiding crowds in confined spaces: concerts, aircraft, conferences. I’d add, “Do everything you can –STARTING RIGHT NOW– to stay healthy and strong: adequate sleep, regular exercise, and good food (including weight control).”

 

Here’s one you may not have thought of:

The U.S. CDC recommends getting a flu vaccination.

The CDC has detailed guidelines for employers here:

 

In particular, I’d suggest:

  • Have a clear and well-communicated policy for various epidemic scenarios.
    • Step One: How will employees know whether to stay home?
    • How will you communicate your status to clients and vendors?
      How will they communicate their status to your business?
      For example, what if your cleaning service abandons you?
  • Implement “Work from Home” technology and policies. This should include:
    • A staggered schedule of “dry run” tests by every single employee who might need to work from home.
    • Plan and prepare projects that can be postponed until people are at home, so they have things to do in case their regular duties are exhausted or rendered unnecessary under the circumstances.
  • Make sure you have all essential positions filled. You don’t want to lose people to illness when you are already short-staffed.
  • Stock up now, before the rush, on hand sanitizers and face masks, including wipes for conference tables, telephone handsets, doorknobs, coffee machines, keyboards, etc.

Any other ideas?
Add yours to the comments below.