The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted a vital truth: businesses, of all shapes and sizes, are more than economic entities. They are critical partners in public health. Businesses can play an important role in safeguarding individual and community health during disasters. Here’s how businesses can improve emergency preparedness and response for their organization, workforce, and communities across five key areas:
1. Products and Services
Healthcare providers weren’t the only businesses that contributed to public health during the recent hurricanes, floods and pandemic. In addition to critical infrastructure businesses maintaining their vital functions, many companies manufactured or produced needed products and services and contributed to their community’s emergency response and recovery. Some manufacturers pivoted to ventilator production. Rideshare companies helped people reach vaccination sites. Alcohol producers manufactured hand sanitizer when supplies ran low. Restaurants donated food to healthcare workers and food pantries. Home supply stores provided critical building materials. The list goes on.
Whether you provide goods, logistics, digital platforms, or other critical products and services, think about how your business can maintain continuity and could rapidly adapt to meet community needs during a future crisis.
2. Access to Care
Over half of Americans receive health coverage through their employer. You decide what’s covered. Preventive care? Telehealth? Mental health? These decisions directly affect how quickly your workforce can access care in a crisis. It’s worth thinking about whether your current benefit plans are equipped for future emergencies.
3. Workplace Policies
From paid sick leave to remote work flexibility, your workplace policies can significantly affect the health of your staff, reduce disease transmission during an outbreak, and give staff confidence that they can come to work safely. Studies have found that employers that implemented multiple protective policies and strategies during the pandemic generally fared better than those that adopted only one strategy or did not adopt any pandemic protective policies.[1] Preparedness is about planning ahead and implementing these policies when the next crisis hits.
4. Reach to Employees’ Families
Your reach can extend beyond your immediate employees. Many businesses offer benefits and share health information that supports entire households. Providing timely and accurate information to employees can dispel rumors and ensure that staff and their families know how best to protect themselves when an emergency strikes.
5. Community Health
Your business, no matter how large or small, is part of the social fabric of the communities where you are located. Aligning your business policies with local/state public health guidance influences broader community resilience. The usual sources of federal information and guidance may not be available or provide the full picture during a future crisis, making it essential to identify new, reliable information channels. State and local health departments will likely be the primary sources of information and guidance during a future emergency. Now is the time to build relationships with local health officials to ensure smooth coordination when it’s needed.
We Can Help
Considering the current multiple shifts in federal preparedness priorities, businesses may need to rely heavily on their own plans, resources, personnel, and established local networks rather than expecting significant external support during a future health emergency. Preparedness isn’t just a public health priority. It’s a business continuity strategy. Health Preparedness Partners works with businesses around the country to ensure they build the right relationships, develop and test relevant emergency plans, implement the most effective policies, communicate clearly about health concerns, and more.
If you would like to learn more about how we can help, please contact us to schedule a free consultation.
[1] Ingram C, Downey V, Roe M, et al. COVID-19 prevention and control measures in workplace settings: a rapid review and meta-analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021; 18(15):7847.