The H1N1 flu is coming, and many businesses aren’t prepared to deal with it, according to outplacement consultancy Challenger, Gray and Christmas Inc.
In a recent blog post, the firm warns that an influenza pandemic could lead to absenteeism rates of 30 to 50 percent as workers get sick, stay home with children whose schools are closed and even stay out of work for fear of infection. That’s especially troubling for the many companies that are already struggling to get work completed after making layoffs.
The firm urged companies to make sure they have good leave policies that encourage workers to stay home if they or their children are ill.
Companies prepare not just to function with a skeleton crew but also to deal with delays in their supply chain if their suppliers end up understaffed.
