When we published the blog regarding the various uses for an Employee Alert System, we mentioned local health issues, but that was in terms of more common issues such a influenza outbreaks.
Clearly, with the Coronavirus, we are getting into uncharted waters. Obviously we recommend that any organization with employees have some notification system in place. For those who have taken that step, we also suggest a stronger effort to maintain their databases.
The reason for having a good notification system in place isn’t necessarily for “emergencies” related to a virus outbreak, but for what might be a change in operations in an effort to prevent a spread within an organization. More people may be working remotely, and “passing the word” isn’t as simple as it is in the office.
In addition, many operational changes that are meant to be temporary may in fact become standard once the emergency is over. It is common for managers to adopt new ways of working after they are “forced into it” and ultimately see the value in new structure or methods. The use of technology has made a lot possible in the last twenty years, and a simple employee notification is certainly a good foundation that should make change easier.