The Hong Kong government is urging HR managers to develop contingency plans to keep their employees healthy and productive in the event of an influenza outbreak in the city. According to a November 2006 survey by the Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management (HKIHRM), more than 80% of Hong Kong businesses reported having no budget in place to mitigate the effects of an influenza outbreak. More and more HR managers are taking this threat seriously, however, and many companies there now plan to develop relevant human resources policies.

Health officials warn that a worldwide flu pandemic is an imminent threat which must be properly prepared for. Densely-populated Asian cities like Hong Kong are particularly at risk. The 2003 SARS outbreak had a heavy toll on Hong Kong, infecting over 1,700 and killing nearly 300. The panic surrounding the outbreak drove unemployment to an all time high and caused billions of dollars of economic losses to businesses. A full-scale flu pandemic, if handled incorrectly, could be much more devastating.

HKIHRM recommends that companies protect their human capital by reevaluating their current health insurance policies, budgeting for antiviral medication, and preparing mandatory sick leave or telecommuting policies that can be implemented rapidly. HR managers should also consider organizing informational sessions for their employees to explain business continuity plans and general preventative measures to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading an epidemic.

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