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As COVID-19 spreads around the world, so does concern about its impact on public health. And while we learn more about how to prevent ourselves from contracting it, businesses, including farms, should have an updated HR plan in case of an employee outbreak.
Update sick leave policies
Caused by the coronavirus, COVID-19 symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear, and even then, can be difficult to detect. Some may think they have a cold or influenza.
“Farmers and farm employers must support workers to stay home if they’re sick, particularly with COVID-19 symptoms,” says Jennifer Wright, a senior human resources advisor with the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council. “Employers should ensure they’re following recommendations put out by Public Health Agency of Canada.”
Some preventative measures include:
- Encourage employees to self-isolate when ill
- Suspend requests for medical notes
- Prepare for increased absenteeism due to employee and family illness and possibly school closures
- Increase distance between office workstations to two metres
Stay informed
The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) says it’s monitoring COVID-19 as it relates to Canadian agriculture and will provide weekly updates. They’ve also compiled a list of resources for farmers to learn more information about the virus and its spread.
Laurie Karson of CFA also recommends reading Harvard Business Review’s 8 Questions Employers Should Ask About Coronavirus. The article offers common-sense tips and advice that would resonate with farmers or any business owner.
Tips include: how to best protect employees, when to exclude public or employees from the workplace and to review benefit policies if the workplace closes due to COVID-19.
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