Most business disaster simulation and continuity planning centers on finite events with well delineated beginning and end points. Floods, fires and windstorms do their damage; then the cleanup begins in relatively short order. In contrast, the duration and impact of the Coronavirus, or COVID-19, is not clear. Uncertainty can lead to anxiety and a sense of helplessness for many people.
Helping employees understand that they do have control over their response to COVID-19 and that they can protect their health is key to minimizing fear — which, itself, is a highly contagious emotion — and maintaining emotional equilibrium. This is true for the business, too: Forming a plan, then taking steps to ensure continued operations and keep cognizant of how employees and customers respond to new workflows, provide positive focal points for business continuity.
One key to instilling a sense of control is ensuring your employees have access to frequently updated, high-quality science-based data about the virus. While information about the Coronavirus changes daily, many initial assertions are standing up to research. The biggest takeaway is people can protect themselves from the virus with simple, highly effective personal hygiene practices. Share these with your team by encouraging them to download these helpful graphic resources: