The Team Must Go On - How to Manage During a Pandemic
By Leanne Crain
We have all heard the talk about the H1N1 virus. In fact, I would venture to say there isn't a news station or paper in North America right now that is not reporting something to do with H1N1. As you look around at the rest of your team, and hear the frightening cough from one, maybe it's time to pause and wonder - how will you keep the team running if the H1N1 comes to visit your office?
As with all things, proper prior planning can save you a lot of concern in this area, and maybe allow you to rest a little easier. If everyone in the company is prepared, equipped, and educated, this flu epidemic can pass through, hopefully without causing a massive outage in your company.
Where do you begin?
You probably already know the basics of minimizing risks - things like cleaning, disinfecting, not physically contacting others, and staying away when you are sick. Sounds easy enough - but that last one, staying away, is often where the biggest challenge lies. How can you get people to stay away from each other - and the office - and keep the business running? Let's look at a few key questions together. Spend some time today considering these, and finding the options that work best for your company and team.
1) Have you identified the key business functions that must continue in order to keep the organization operating?
2) Do all of your team members have laptops that would enable them to work from home?
3) Do you have an instant messenger in place that your team can use to communicate with each other, even when they are not in close proximity?
4) Do you have policies and procedures in place that allow your team to work remotely?
5) Are you able to stagger your team's hours and work days? Can they come in at different times of the day? Could they come in on opposite days and work remotely on the other?
6) Does your team have clearly defined projects that they can work on remotely, with minimal supervision?
7) Do you have areas of your office that you could separate your team into? Could you create a "make-shift" area in your building where those who want to work, but MAY be ill, can go to work away from everyone else?
8) Have you set up a program where you can have remote meetings or conference calls, rather than face-to-face team meetings?
9) Is it possible to post a listing of places your teams can get a vaccination shot, if they choose to?
Keep in mind, according to studies, during a pandemic you could expect that during the peak time of the outbreak, approximately 40% of your workforce may be out of the office due to illness, or illness in their family. As a leader it is in your best interest to stay on top of things, make a plan, and clearly define the plan to the rest of your team.
Make sure everyone on your team knows what is available to them, and what is expected of them if they start feeling symptoms of a virus.
By planning ahead, and preparing as best you can, you can help the business run smoothly, ensure deadlines are still met, and make sure your team stays as healthy as possible. Remember the old adage - "Prepare for the worst, but hope for the best".
For more ideas on leadership, please contact Gary Gzik at ggzik@bizxcel.com.
Leanne Crain is a Marketing Assistant for BizXcel. Her background is marketing and tourism, and she has over 12 years experience in the sales and marketing field.
