HIRE Strategies has one priority right now: the health and safety of you, our client partners, our team members and vendors we serve.
As North Carolina’s business community and employees, you are the engine that keeps our economy going. We understand that this pandemic has caused so much uncertainty. We want you to know that our team at HIRE Strategies is ready and able to help you.
Should you have any staff who becomes symptomatic and is not able to perform their job, we can provide temporary placements to fill the gaps. We will work closely with our talent pool to make sure they are prepared and job-ready so that you can expect immediate results. In the meantime, please take a look at the guidelines below.
Actions to Take Now:
When an employee is sick or exhibiting symptoms:
- If an employee appears sick, (specifically exhibiting “acute respiratory illness symptoms” i.e. coughing, shortness of breath) when at work, separate them from other employees immediately and send home.
- Encourage employees to communicate openly with management regarding whether or not they feel the need to take sick leave or work from home.
Practice good hygiene in the workplace:
- Encourage employees and visitors to wash hands thoroughly and frequently. Make these practices mandatory – especially if workforce interacts with the general public.
- Set up hand sanitizing stations with alcohol-based hand sanitizers that contain 60-95% alcohol content and tissue boxes along high traffic areas or communal workspaces.
- Set up daily cleaning schedules, if not already in place, to wipe down areas that are frequently used (lunch tables, work surfaces) with disinfectant solutions.
If your employees plan on traveling, recently traveled or have family visiting from abroad:
- Check the CDC’s Traveler’s Health Notices for the latest guidance and recommendations for travelers.
- Maintain open communication with employees regarding safety practices when traveling.
Are you prepared for absences?
- Ensure that personnel understands leave policies.
- Have coverage available for essential departments/employees, should staff be absent.
- Pay attention to advisories from state and local officials regarding closures and recommendations.
When creating an “Infectious Disease Outbreak Response Plan”:
- Consider increasing the flexibility in sick leave or work-from-home policies and plan according to several possible outcomes.
- Share your plan with employees and explain what human resources policies, workplace and leave flexibilities, and pay and benefits will be available to them.
At the HIRE Strategies’ office, we are increasing sanitization & hygiene habits. We’re working to limit in-person meetings, screenings, and testing. We ask that you call us before coming to our office so we can discuss how to help you without putting anyone at risk.
We are closely monitoring and following the recommendations of local and global public health authorities (such as the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control) to ensure rigorous application of every measure to stem the spread of this respiratory ailment.
Below is a link from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) for the latest information. You can also sign up for COVID-19 NC updates. We found this to be an excellent source for local information.
We wish you, your colleagues, and loved ones continued health.
Sonya Hopson and the entire HIRE Strategies Team
