Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
Symbol of the Government of Canada

Common menu bar links

Pandemic Planning
 
 
  Pandemic Links
  Pandemic Tool Kit
 
 
At Home At Work Keep Workplaces Working The Community Links Tools

5 Ways A Business Can Help Their Employees
 

  1. Help protect employees by slowing the spread of the virus.
    • Provide hand washing facilities and extra sanitizing gels in key places at the workplace (lunchrooms, washrooms, entrances, exits).
    • Ensure cleanliness of work surfaces including door knobs, hand railings as well as shared telephones, keyboards, computer mouse, etc.
    • Increase the distance between workstations
    • Provide good ventilation
    • Allow employees to work from home where possible.
  2. Have corporate policies that let employees know what to expect in a pandemic, especially in terms of sick leave and leave to care for families. Make sure employees know that they can - and should - stay home if they are not feeling well.
  3. Have a business continuity plan. Know your business. Be sure to plan for employee absences as well as for increases and decreases in business trade, and for changes in how you do your business. Ensure all employees understand the business continuity plan, their roles, and the roles of specific staff as outlined in the plan.
  4. Provide for adequate training. Ensure people are trained to cover the job duties of others, and that they are comfortable performing these added job tasks and responsibilities.
  5. Help people stay informed. Keep everyone informed of what you are doing as well as any information from local or national public health officials.