Converged Communication Solutions COVID-19 Plan
1 – How we protect employees
Covid-19 is believed to spread largely through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing, and it seems to spread easily. It may also be possible to become infected by touching a contaminated surface or object and then touching one’s nose or mouth.
- Stay home if they have respiratory symptoms (coughing, sneezing, shortness of breath) and/or a high temperature.
- Leave work if they develop these symptoms while at the workplace.
- Shield coughs and sneezes with a tissue, elbow, or shoulder (not the bare hands).
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
As hand washing is one of the most effective defences, we have ensured that employees have ready access to washing facilities and that those are kept well stocked with soap and paper towels; Alcohol-based hand sanitizers and sanitizing wipes are distributed throughout the workplace, and all frequently touched surfaces such as workstations, countertops and doorknobs routinely cleaned.
We have discussed with our cleaning team and they are up to date on the latest guidance and are acting accordingly as per the issued information.
Information has been provided to all staff members and our management team are monitoring health alerts and Government guidance
2 – Reducing client visitors to our premises / Limiting staff site visits
If required, we will limit any scheduled visits from suppliers or clients – opting rather to conduct any meetings over the telephone or video conferencing where appropriate.
As discussed, employees should stay home or go home if they have symptoms of coronavirus infection. Dedicated staff often resist taking sick days, instead dragging themselves into work where they may infect others. Given the ongoing concerns this epidemic presents, our managers will not hesitate to send employees who present with Covid-19 symptoms home. Likewise, employees or visitors who are symptomatic or at high risk for Covid-19 should be kept separate from staff and helped with arrangements to leave the workplace and obtain medical evaluation while minimizing their public exposure.
Converged staff who are working from home to self-isolate will not be in any way financially impacted, this is to reduce the likelihood of those who may be beginning to experience symptoms or been in contact with someone who has recently travelled to a Category 1 or 2 area, of coming into the office.
When a client site visit is required, we may conduct a courtesy call ahead of this to ensure the site has not had any exposure or anyone within the premises affected. Dependant on the detail we will make an assessment or make alternative arrangements to access any equipment that we would be attending site to investigate.
3 – Maximise employee ability to work remotely
Many professions such as Medical, Retail or Manufacturing do require a physical presence, whereas we have the luxury of being able to conduct most of our business tasks from alternative locations. Where needed we will ensure that those who do not already do so, have access to a PC at home and phone facilities.
Our clients will still be able to reach us on the published contact information – there will be no disruption to service or apparent change to how their calls are being handled.
4 – Travel and Industry events
We have already seen cancelled in-person conferences and meetings, especially those with international attendees, and we expect more in the coming months.
We ourselves are reducing our presence at industry events and will suspend any planned international travel for the time being.
5 – Communication Strategy
Internally staff will be kept informed of any changes delivered either in the weekly bulletins or any more pressing information will be face to face, or over the phone where appropriate.
Clients can get updates through social media, or again – any information more pressing will be communicated to the organisation contact via their Service Delivery Manager.
