Flu Pandemic, Why Prepare your Business!

Global Flu Pandemic:
On the 11th of June The World Health Organisation declared a global flu pandemic after holding an emergency meeting. Simply put, this means the flu virus has now spread to over 100 countries with the UK estimating 100,000 new cases per day by the end of the summer. UK organisations have started to issue advice to businesses about what preperations to think about now.

Flu Pandemic Severity:
The severity has so far been described as moderate but it is now clear that the spread of this pandemic is unstoppable, however the overwhelming majority of infected people show mild symptoms and have made a full recovery within a week, to date the only fatalaties have been with pregnant women and people with underlying health problems.

Why Business Continuity in a Flu Pandemic:
In this demanding economic environment it is essential for organisations to sustain business functions and services that are considered as business resilient to core activities. Implementing a business continuity plan which minimises the negative effects of mass absenteeism that a flu pademic can have on business revenues and supply chain management is paramount. Learn more about business continuity and your business.

Flu Pandemic Effects on Employees:
The characteristic response of employees to a flu pandemic is one of individual protection. Most people will either choose to stay away from their normal places of work to avoid infection, or they will be forced to stay at home to look after sick relatives or healthy children sent home from school.

Flu Pandemic Effects to the Employer:
This presents many issues to an organisation including; lack of senior employees to make key decisions, key processes and procedures begin to fail, the supply of essential materials or components could be delayed and project plans could be delayed leading to increased budget requirements. These all contribute to an increase in customer dissatisfaction and a threat to market share and revenue.

Flexible Working Strategy:
By deploying a flexible working strategy across parts or all of an organisation you can enable key employees to work in a safe environment where they are at lower risk of infection, or where they can manage work and caring responsibilities simultaneously.

To find out more about how you can prepare your business during the current flu pandemic order your FREE ‘Flu Pandemic Guidelines for Business’ guide.