In a new survey, over 70% of companies’ primary business continuity concern is further disruption from a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. While there is a keen focus on return to work measures, over a fifth (21%) of the respondents still don’t have a pandemic plan and process in place. Furthermore, over 20% expect mental health issues to also pose a major threat in the coming year. The International SOS Return to Work survey, reveals business operations impacts of COVID-19, as well as the key mitigation measures organisations are prioritising to strengthen. The survey analysed responses from over 1,000 professionals responsible for supporting the health, safety, security, and wellbeing of employees.
Dr Rahul Kalia, Medical Director at International SOS India, commented, “Most organizations currently are trying to balance the employee safety consideration with the economic compulsions of operating businesses. The current pandemic not only compels us to safeguard from the virus but at the same time poses many other health and security challenges for employees and businesses. Having a structured response plans for situations like these (Pandemics) is seen to be an important step in strengthening an organization's resilience. Plans should not only look at the immediate reactive aspect of pandemic but also provide direction on potential new normal that the working environment is likely to experience. These changes may range from structural ones like temperature screening at access points becoming a norm on one hand to the need for TeleConsultations becoming a significant provision for employees working from office and from home on the other. Leaders will benefit from timely advice from experts while making these significant futures defining changes.”
Are organisations doing enough to return to work safely and combat a second wave?
The survey found that the top two priorities organizations are implementing in their safe return to work are:
- updating business continuity plans (60%)
- on-the-ground support for colleagues (59%).
These are followed by implementation of COVID-19 compliance monitoring tools (56%), health screening (50%) and mental health support (44%).
Mental Health at-risk
The risk to mental health is considered the fourth biggest threat to business continuity in the next 12 months, with over one fifth of respondents fearing that this will have an impact. This follows disruption from a potential COVID-19 second wave (73%), country lockdowns (67%) and international border restrictions (57%). The results revealed that over 17% of those surveyed said that mental health issues had already impacted the continuity of their business operations.
Dr. Kalia said, “Covid scenario is evolving rapidly in the region and with it, is exacerbating the mental health issues. Working from home, social isolation, anxiety surrounding access to care and generally fear of unknown is contributing to the stress faced by the working population. It will be important to address these Mental health issues and providing structured, confidential and timely access to good mental health support will help safeguard the workforce considerably.”
For those who want to inform themselves on how to return to work safely, take a look at our advice here.
About the International SOS Group of Companies
The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business of saving lives, protecting your global workforce from health and security threats. Wherever you are, we deliver customised health, security risk management and wellbeing solutions to fuel your growth and productivity. In the event of extreme weather, an epidemic or a security incident, we provide an immediate response providing peace of mind. Our innovative technology and medical and security expertise focus on prevention, offering real-time, actionable insights and on-the-ground quality delivery. We help you meet compliance reporting needs for good governance. By partnering with us, organisations can fulfil their Duty of Care responsibilities, while empowering business resilience, continuity and sustainability.
Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group is trusted by 12,000 organisations, including over half of the Fortune Global 500, multi-national corporate clients and mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions and NGOs. 10,000 multi-cultural medical, security and logistics experts stand with you to provide support & assistance from over 1,000 locations in 85 countries, 24/7, 365 days.
To protect your workforce, we are at your fingertips: www.internationalsos.com
For further information contact: bhavikav.pr@gmail.com
