With the coronavirus taking over the headlines, being prepared is on everyone’s mind. Any attempt to find hand sanitizer or face masks on store shelves will suggest that planning has started in homes across the country. But as an employer, have you thought about whether your company is prepared?

Large companies may have a contingency plan already in place, but applying those practices is key. Small and mid-sized companies may not yet have policies for handling a health crisis such as this, leaving them at risk. In either case, it’s time to think about what comes next.

Any recommendations from the CDC and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services should be priorities when making decisions about employees. Employers should be closely monitoring these organizations for guidance. Beyond that, employers will need to take into account the situations specific to the company. Pandemic policies may include everything from basic hygiene recommendations to succession planning, flexible work policies, and compensation policies for those who get sick, are caring for sick family or are quarantined. And guidelines should also seek to alleviate growing fears among employees.

Policies to handle this outbreak will vary from employer to employer and will likely change as the situation evolves. Employers will need to remain calm and vigilant in their preparations. If you are concerned about how to best handle employees within your company or would like guidance in preparing your business, we are here to support you. Give us a call at (248) 477-6300.