Swine flu increases calls for telecommuting options
As employees worry about a swine flu outbreak, companies wonder how they can help employees stay safe while keeping business running. What can HR do?
One solution experts recommend: Get as many employees as possible ready to work from home.
Companies with a solid telecommuting plan are a step ahead in handling swine flu and other disease outbreaks, says Chuck Wilsker, president and CEO of The Telework Coalition in Washington, D.C.
The benefit is two-fold. First, the biggest key to keeping contagious diseases out of the workplace is for sick employees to stay home. But many employees are reluctant to miss work, especially in a time when jobs are disappearing.
Also, managers with short-handed staffs may pressure employees to come in as much as possible. Having telecommuting capabilities in place makes sure sick employees can work without putting others in danger.
Second, companies should consider cases where an outbreak forces offices to close, says Wilsker. Letting employees work remotely will ensure that at least some business is being done.
HR should work closely with IT to develop a plan. You may need to:
- Take a survey to find out who’s already equipped to work at home. Most importantly, ask what type of computer, software and Internet connection they have.
- Provide access to important documents and data through a password-protected Web page or a virtual private network (VPN).
- Help remote employees communicate with each other, for example by providing a directory of e-mail addresses or getting workers set up with instant messaging software.
More news and information about swine flu is available from the Center for Disease Control.
