Covid - 19 Workplace Implications

On Sunday night, 15 March 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation and declared the Covid - 19 outbreak a national state of disaster in terms of the Disaster Management Act. About a week ago, the first case of the Coronavirus was confirmed in South Africa. A week later, we have 61 confirmed cases. The question on how ready our organizations are in dealing with the pandemic has become more of a reality than it was a week ago. While we know that there are companies who have infrastructures for their employees to work from home, also many do not. In addition, it may not be practical for their employees to work remotely because of the nature of the job. In these cases, it is imperative that the leadership team keep the lines of communication open at all times will their employees. They must inform them of the precautionary measures that they are taking to keep them safe and personal hygiene should remain top of mind. Apart from the re-emphasis about washing hands, avoiding touching one's face, using hand sanitizers, communicating protocol about shaking hands so that employees do not feel uncomfortable declining a handshake, and gestures such as supplying disinfectant wipes at computers and workstations will go a long way. Organizations must also ensure that they put up Covid – 19 specific posters. The leadership team in organizations must take extra precautions where necessary to send a message of reassurance to their employees.