No one likes to think about worst-case scenarios, but it pays to be prepared should the worst happen. The countries that have successfully combated COVID-19 are the ones that have had great emergency response systems and infrastructure already set in place. As different people around the world have called their governments to account, there is also a place for businesses to step up and meet some of the needs within their organizations. What happens to staff who might need help during this critical time. Beyond caring for your staff, an emergency response team (ERT) also helps in safeguarding business continuity.
Who should be on your ERT?
- Leadership team – either the CEO/ MD or representative of the managing team
- Finance – business position and measures that can be taken
- Human Resources – procedures, guidelines, and organizational resources
- Communication – development of content in the form of posters, videos
- Risk Management – Security, Health and Safety regulations
- Facilities for all business sites – safety and first aid,
- Information Technology (IT) – communication tools, staff FAQ platform and ensuring business continuity
These individuals should oversee and coordinate any response. If your staff are working from home, you still need to assure them that if anything were to go wrong, they would be okay. Peace of mind when there are a lot of unknowns goes a long way in protecting your employee’s peace of mind. Your response team should be available through a variety of mediums – text, call or email. Brainstorm as a response team on any potential risks that might occur such as stock outs, insecurity and what your advisory or actionable roles should be.
Develop communication on:
- Health and Safety standards within the workplace. If you would like to build a set of tried and true protocols and safety guidelines read through Safe Work Playbook 2nd Edition and Safe Work Supplement developed by the Lear Corporation.
- Health institutions on your panel that provide usual health services such as maternity or regular treatments
- Insurance coverage of COVID-19
- Organization Help-Line numbers and contacts if someone contracts COVID-19, or needs medical assistance in case of any other emergencies
- Company regulations on movement and following government regulations. Football clubs have had to take disciplinary action on players caught breaking quarantine regulation in the United Kingdom.
The Emergency Response Team should liaise with your insurance provider on providing ambulance or personnel if any emergencies arise.
Communications is an important role of your Emergency response team. Ensure that you use official and credible channels as sources of information for any communication that you will put out to your staff. Beyond sharing verified information, some examples could be recording and distributing Zoom sessions with Doctors or your insurance providers. As discussed in our blog “Communications is your Most Valuable Asset” Employees are more likely to trust information from their employers more than they trust governments and social media sites – do not abuse that trust.
