Preparing for the flu: Plan now

Large and small companies will benefit from some advance planning for dealing with the flu pandemic.  To help you get started, the US Department of Homeland Security has published Planning for 2009 H1N1 Influenza: A Preparedness Guide for Small Business and multiple agencies collaborated on Preparing for the Flu: A Communication Toolkit for Businesses and Employers which has even more information and resources.  Some of the core planning steps include:

• defining the appropriate contacts
• reviewing your policies
• setting priorities
• establishing business continuity plans
  
• communicating clearly

The primary guidance for sick employees is to stay home.  Even while home, employees who feel up to it can continue working with the aid of technology.  In my time home sick (when I wasn't resting) I took several steps to stay available:

• run instant messaging application(s) to be available to coworkers for quick questions and conversations
  
• check email at regular intervals
• use telephone/Skype for necessary calls
• use Dimdim web conferencing for sharing resources and collaborating

In my experience with the flu, I wasn't able to work the entire time I was home, but there were periods of time where I had enough concentration and energy to get some work done.  By having tools available to assist me that I'm comfortable with, I was able to contribute again well before it was safe for me to return to the office.

If you're new to web conferening, get familiar with it before you need it.  You can start by creating a Dimdim free web conferencing account, then take a look at the resources in our Dimdim Getting Started section.  Go through some of the video tutorials and most importantly take the time to do some practice sessions with friends or coworkers.

Stay healthy and good luck!

-k
Kevin Micalizzi, Community Manager
Dimdim Web Conferencing
e: kevin@dimdim.com
twitter: @dimdim

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