Workforce Management
By Bennet D. Alsher
November 2009
In reviewing their HR policies, employers must consider how federal and state laws affect pandemic preparedness. These laws include the National Labor Relations Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1991, and state workers’ compensation laws. Here are some frequently asked questions on general and legal aspects of the pandemic.
n June, the World Health Organization declared an H1N1 flu pandemic. This means that human-to-human spread has increased and is sustained in the general population. H1N1 is a novel strain of the influenza virus; human beings have little or no immunity to it. Not only did H1N1 rapidly infect Americans, but it also spread throughout the world. According to reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 48 states reported widespread influenza activity as of late October. In addition, more than 70 countries have already experienced outbreaks attributed to H1N1, as well as seasonal flu outbreaks.
The H1N1 pandemic creates both danger and opportunity for employers. The danger is obvious: a sick and fearful workforce, days lost to absenteeism, disruption of supply chains, and lost productivity, revenue and profit. But the flip side of danger is opportunity. The pandemic creates an ideal opportunity for management to demonstrate to its workforce that it is proactive and that it cares about its employees.
The swine flu can’t be prevented on a wide scale—it’s here, and it’s all over the world. But you can mitigate its impact on your workforce and, given careful planning, a little bit of luck and some flexibility, your company can and will weather the outbreak. Organizations must take steps now to ensure business continuity, develop succession plans, review and possibly revise human resources policies and—most important—educate employees about the pandemic.
Full Story: http://www.workforce.com/archive/feature/26/82/17/index.php?ht=
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