COVID-19 Survey Results as of March 17, 2020

Last week, we asked our remun members the following question: “How is your organization responding to COVID-19?”

Here is a summary of our Canadian members’ responses:

• Many respondents are preparing to work remotely, and we expect this number to increase as large-group protocols are established.
• Not surprisingly, organizations are focused on business continuity plans as well as minimizing exposure risk by implementing business travel restrictions.
• A small number of respondents are reviewing HR initiatives; we would expect more employers to start considering implications and amendments to various HR programs in light of new realities.

Our experts have also summarized the following best advice and considerations.

• Provide guidance on working from home.
  • Topics can range from ergonomics tips, suggestions on productivity, ensuring a safe environment, nutrition/hydration advice and encouraging regular breaks/exercise.
• Offer leadership courses on managing remote teams.
• Offer courses on effective communication and virtual meeting protocols.
• Consider regular check-ins and gather employee sentiment and feedback.

• Communicate explicit statements and policies related to business travel, including cancellation and contact information.
• Communicate expectations regarding employees returning from business or personal trips (e.g., duration of self-isolation).

• Reinforce highly valued programs including EAP and telemedicine.
• Continuously communicate to employees which symptoms to monitor and steps to take if they are experiencing symptoms.
• Highlight and reinforce health and wellness measures, including increasing the availability of sanitizers, protective gear and social distancing.
• Closely monitor and record employee absences, symptoms and diagnoses.
• Keep abreast of Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) activity and advice.
• Contact your insurance carrier to discuss coverage as well as potential scenarios (i.e. layoffs).
• Remain agile, responsive and stay on top of emerging news, including public health guidelines.

• Review paid and unpaid leave policies and benefits.
• Consider possible implications on annual performance evaluations as well as sales incentive plans and prepare contingency plans as needed.
• Consider recognition and/or awards for extraordinary contributions.

• Familiarize yourselves with local/provincial/federal updates and their implications.
• Work closely with your COVID-19 business continuity leaders.
• Partner with your communications team to provide all staff with regular updates.
• Prepare contingency plans to limit possible work interruptions for staff who perform essential duties in the workplace.

If you have any questions, please contact Normandin Beaudry’s teams of experts or email us!