Companies Must Prepare for the Bird Flu

March 13, 2006 — -- Just as the events of Sept. 11, 2001, forced American businesses to assess their possible risks from terrorist threats, companies now must also address the likely disruptions caused by any potential discovery of bird flu in this country.

Workers' health concerns and the interruption of productivity are the chief worries of most employers. Many have met with health officials and have developed their own contingency plans in the event of a public health scare.

Worker shortages are a key issue. A shutdown of public transportation would make it difficult for employees to get to work. In addition, shortages in manpower would result from employees becoming ill, taking time off to care for others, tending to children when school is closed, or staying home to avoid infection.

To address this concern, employers are planning for a few possible back-up scenarios. One option, especially for large companies with multiple offices throughout the country, is to divert workloads to other locations that aren't affected by bird flu. If your employer is thinking along these lines, it's essential to document protocols and conduct various drills now to ensure a smooth transition is plausible.

Well employees might also be required to work longer shifts. Instead of a typical eight-hour shift, demands due to shortages in manpower would mean an extension to 10- or 12-hour shifts. Job-sharing is another likely scenario to enable fewer people to cover required tasks. In other cases, employees may be expected to work from home.

As an individual, you should talk to your manager about the company's contingency plans in the event of an outbreak. Ask how information will be conveyed and shared among staffers.