Employee safety a leading pandemic concern: Survey
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Employee safety is among top concerns for employers during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a survey of more than 900 employers conducted by law firm Littler Mendelson P.C.
Between March 12 and March 25, the law firm surveyed human resources professionals and in-house counsel of companies predominantly operating in North America to learn their top concerns and key actions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Creating safe workplace conditions and ensuring policies to comply with applicable safety and health regulations was a concern for 93% of respondents. Nearly all of the companies surveyed implemented measures to promote health and safety, with 98% stating that they took steps to communicate hygiene practices and prevention measures, 83% restricted travel and 78% restricted travel and canceled meetings. The survey respondents also said they were grappling with how to address employee anxiety and how to find the right balance in responding appropriately without panicking employees.
A top worry for 96% of respondents was that an office, factory or store would need to temporarily close if an employee or customer tested positive for the virus, and nearly half were considering implementing furloughs or short-term layoffs as a result of the pandemic.
More insurance and risk management news on the coronavirus crisis here.
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