Workforce planning - getting ready for swine flu

The swine flu pandemic has the potential to cause substantial disruption to the operations and workforces of many businesses - large and small. Forget the media hysteria. Employers around the UK are now being given direct advice on how to prepare for the potential storm…

Employers are being urged to start making contingency plans to deal with the swine flu pandemic, following a Government warning that new cases of the illness could reach 100,000 a day by the end of the summer holidays. If those numbers prove accurate, then the impact on businesses will undoubtedly be substantial, with a large proportion of the workforce potentially struck down by the flu.

The employers organisation the CBI has issued detailed guidance to businesses which points to the operations and people management issues that are likely to be need addressing:

“Firms need to prepare for any possible disruption by introducing measures such as remote working and monitoring stock levels,” according to the CBI press release.

“Staffing, obviously, is crucial. If people are off sick, you need to plan what spare resources you can draw on”.

The advice goes on…

“Supply chain issues also need to be considered,” “Think about your peak selling season – if it’s Christmas, make sure you’re prepared well in advance regarding inventory, stock and suppliers. If delivery is inhibited, how will you manage any dip in cashflow?”