Can your business survive a pandemic? If the Coronavirus spreads in North America as many health officials fear, how will your business be affected? Do you have procedures in place to deal with an epidemic?
The Coronavirus has already had a negative impact on the Chinese economy. Factories, markets, the travel industry, transportation resources and restaurants have shut down or seen business fall off. As it spreads worldwide, we should brace for a similar scenario here.
So can your business keep the doors open during a pandemic? What additional safety procedures will you put in place? Are your HR policies equipped to handle an increase in employee absenteeism? Are personnel cross-trained to perform essential functions so that your workplace is able to operate even if key staff members are absent? What procedures will you implement during an epidemic? Do your managers have the authority to take independent action during a pandemic? Under what circumstances would you shut down? Can your business survive a decrease in revenue? These are just some of the issues that need consideration in advance of possible widespread disruption.
