Question

What polices and protocols should businesses have in place to provide a safe work environment while also ensuring that employees are being treated fairly?

For example, what, if any, business policies should be developed or implemented to address the following?

Identifying the employees the policy applies to.

Detailing the consequences of testing positive or refusing to be tested.

Providing notice to employees prior to the implementation of a policy.

Answer 1

Some of the most important protocols that businesses should have in place to provide a safe work environment are:

- Work from home should be promoted and should be made mandatory till the time things settle down.

- People who are coming to office should have good sanitisation facilities such as soaps and sanitizers.

- Adequate insurance should be given to the employees so that a sense of security can pitch in them.

- In case of emergencies or possibility of fever the company should not deduct the salaries of employees.

The company can see the most prone areas of infection and can make that office location as a hotspot. Even if 1 case is found positive there then that office should be sealed and employees should be asked to work from home.

A strict policy can be devised which can be circulated among the employees that it is necessary to ensure that all employees are tested and refusing to which strict action would be taken.

Notices can be sent through email and on the company’s portal that is accessible by all employees.