How to Ready Your Workplace for Communicable Illnesses Including Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Michelle Branigan

Mar 11, 2020

By Michelle Branigan

As the spread of COVID-19 rapidly increases around the world, companies are beginning to prepare for the possible impact of the virus on their operations. While Canada is currently low risk for transmission (as of time of writing), it’s important to take precautions and have an infectious communicable illness policy in place to protect your people and operations. Remember that by prioritizing your employees’ health, you’re protecting the overall ability of your organization, as well as the communities you operate in.

We’ve seen the economic impact the virus has had around the world. By acting before the worst effects are felt, we can respond with agility to quickly changing circumstances, with hopefully minimal impact on operations and services. With that in mind, I’ve come up with a quick list of considerations that employers should review. The following tips have been compiled from the Public Health Agency of Canada – a5 and the World Health Organization recommendations for workplaces.

1. Review provincial legislation regarding sick leave, and if you do not already, offer additional paid sick leave to employees. Employees who feel they have no choice but to come to work ill pose a danger to their colleagues and the company, so make it clear to all employees how your company’s policies are accommodating the outbreak.

◦ TIP: The Public Health Agency of Canada suggests suspending the need for doctor’s notes, as this will reduce the burden on a stressed health care system.

2. Post clear information in the workplace about how employees can protect themselves.

◦ TIP: Communications regarding proper handwashing technique, respiratory hygiene and reducing exposure can often be found online from your city’s public health department. Ottawa Public Health offers this example.

3. Consider cancelling non-essential travel and make use of teleconferencing whenever possible. Review and relax policies on working from home, if this is an option. Monitor Government of Canada travel advisories and communicate immediately with employees who are returning from risk areas.

4. Make sure that supervisors are kept up to date on symptoms and infection control procedures and know how to contact local public health authorities if they suspect someone may be at risk. If your company has an occupational health department, they should be prepared with messaging and strategies for containing any suspected cases.

5. Review your internal communications procedures and make sure that there is a simple way to reach all employees to keep them informed of updates and changes to company policies as the situation progresses. Share factual, reliable information from trusted health authorities with your company, in order to avoid panic.

◦ TIP: The WHO publishes regular information and advice for the public.

Communicating regularly and openly about company policies and procedures can go a long way in mitigating fear. Ultimately, remaining flexible and accommodating during this time will leave your organization (and community) better able to bounce back when the outbreak has passed.

Michelle Branigan is CEO, Electricity Human Resources Canada.

Related Articles


Latest Articles


Changing Scene

  • Siemens to Establish Global AI Manufacturing Technologies R&D Center for Battery & EV Production in Canada

    Siemens to Establish Global AI Manufacturing Technologies R&D Center for Battery & EV Production in Canada

    May 26, 2025 Siemens will invest CAD $150 million over five years to establish a Global AI Manufacturing Technologies Research and Development (R&D) Center for Battery Production in Canada. The new R&D center, located initially at Siemens Canada’s head office in Oakville, as well as in Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, will focus on developing cutting-edge AI manufacturing technologies with an initial emphasis… Read More…

  • Honda Postponing Ontario EV Supply Chain Investment by Two Years

    Honda Postponing Ontario EV Supply Chain Investment by Two Years

    May 26, 2025 Honda is postponing its plan to invest in a comprehensive EV supply chain in Ontario. The CBC reported that the investment is being push back by two years. “Due to the recent slowdown of the EV market, Honda Motor has announced an approximate two-year postponement of the comprehensive value chain investment project in Canada…. Read More…

  • Serge Leblanc Named Sonepar Canada Interim President

    Serge Leblanc Named Sonepar Canada Interim President

    May 26, 2025 George McClean, former President of Sonepar Canada, has decided to leave Sonepar for an opportunity outside of the electrical industry. Serge Leblanc, current President of Lumen Canada, has been appointed interim President of Sonepar Canada. Leblanc will manage both responsibilities until a successor is named.  Leblanc joined Lumen in 1997 and has… Read More…

  • Ontario Building and Construction Tradeswomen Head to Queens Park to Advocate for Safer, More Inclusive Job Sites

    Ontario Building and Construction Tradeswomen Head to Queens Park to Advocate for Safer, More Inclusive Job Sites

    May 26, 2025 On Monday, May 26, the Ontario Building and Construction Tradeswomen (OBCT), will host its first-ever Advocacy Day at Queen’s Park. Tradeswomen from across the province will gather to meet with Members of Provincial Parliament, including Minister of Labour David Piccini, to advocate for progress in the skilled trades for tradeswomen. OBCT’s top priorities include:… Read More…