More than half of companies (51 per cent) around the world have no plans or protocols in place to combat a global emergency, such as coronavirus (COVID-19), a study by global consultancy firm Mercer has shown.

 

Commenting on the role of businesses during times of ambiguity, Nuno Gomes, Head of Career at Mercer MENAT stated: “Organisations must understand that the workforce comes first. When outbreaks such as coronavirus occur, it is important to think fast rather than react fast. There are three steps companies can take during times of uncertainty which are to protect, evaluate and contain the situation.”

 

Many employees rely on their employers to monitor and assess the situation and share key findings with them, meaning that organisations have the opportunity to support their colleagues which includes:

 

Gathering information from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and government entities, while fact-checking the news and sharing information frequently;

Following government guidelines;

Reviewing business continuity plans (BCP) and ensuring they are up to date; and 

Listening to the concerns of the workforce;

 

Treating employees equally and considering impacts to different populations. For example, while expatriates could be evacuated to their home-country, local employees may remain. -- Tradearabia News Service