Tips to manage the impacts of Covid in your workplace

With our days now filled with helping businesses plan for the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19), it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the potential devastation the pandemic could have on our community. Even the most optimistic businesses leaders are preparing for a shortage of staff or work or both. For some the reality is already here.

As we prepare for the weeks and months ahead, there are steps we can take to protect the health and safety of our team, as well manage the risks to our business:

Health and Safety in the Workplace

It’s good practice for businesses to:

• keep everyone updated on actions being taken to reduce risks of exposure in the workplace
• make sure everyone’s contact numbers and emergency contact details are up to date
• consider extra precautions for staff who might be more vulnerable, for example if someone is pregnant, aged 70 or over, or has a long-term health condition
• make sure everyone knows how to spot symptoms of coronavirus and are clear on what steps to take if they show signs
• make sure there are clean places to wash hands with hot water and soap, and encourage everyone to wash their hands regularly
• provide hand sanitiser and tissues for staff, and encourage them to use them
• consider if any travel or meetings are necessary and if meetings can be held via means other than face-to-face

Minimising Infection in the Workplace

We are working daily with small to medium business’ to help you manage the current and expected impacts of the virus. To help you navigate your way through the myriad of information available, we have pulled together strategies and ideas being adopted in businesses, just like yours; together with information from official sources, such as the Fair Work Commission and the Department of Health and Human Services. 

For more information, check out our tips sheet: Minimising Infection in the Workplace

Labour or Work Shortages

Based on what we are seeing around the world, we expect almost every business is going to be impacted by not enough staff, not enough work, or both. Proactive businesses are getting ahead of the potential crisis by determining their options, creating a plan and beginning to communicate with staff. Are you ready?

For more information, check out our tips sheet: Managing Labour or Work Shortages

Mental Health

Coronavirus has plunged our world into uncertainty and the constant news about the pandemic can feel relentless. All of this is taking its toll on our mental health. With weeks and months of the coronavirus pandemic ahead, it is important to have down time. How can we protect our mental health?

For more information, check out our tips sheet: Mental Health – You and Your Team

Working From Home
As more and more employees are being encouraged (or directed) to work from home, we need to consider more than just laptops and remote access. Working remotely, particularly for an extended period, throws up increased opportunities for miscommunication and misunderstandings. With heightened levels of uncertaintity, now is our opportunity to be clear about how we see this working.

For more information, check out our tips sheet: Working From Home Tips for Businesses and Individuals

The world of work is changing fast, we are going through it too. We are here to help.
The only way we will get through this is together. If you need help or advice, call us on 03) 5331 1734.

Emma Baldwin is a seasoned human resource business partner, who strives to build trust and respect in every workplace. As a generalist, Emma’s experience spans the full range of human resources including: compliance, mediation, investigation, conflict resolution, employee training and recruitment. Outside of work, Emma enjoys exploring the great outdoors, health and fitness, theatre productions and spending time with her young family.

Claire Huntington has over 15 years’ experience in senior and executive level human resource management and strategic leadership positions. Claire learnt HR under the wings of great mentors and through trial and error. She has a very practical hands-on approach to HR and management, and isn’t afraid to look outside the box. Claire is also mum to three school aged firecrackers and is an avid photographer in her spare time.

Disclaimer: The material contained in this publication is of a general nature only. It is not, nor is intended to be, legal advice. If you wish to act based on the content of this publication, we recommend that you seek professional advice.