Here are some of the questions I think organisations need to answer for staff during a pandemic.
HR Questions on Virus Pandemics:
Q1. Schools have shut and I need to stay at home to care for my children. Will I be paid? Do I take holidays or will I get unpaid leave?
Q2. My elderly parents have the virus and I need time off to care for them. I have no holidays left, will I be paid or given unpaid leave?
Q3. I do not want to take public transport to get to work. Can I stay at home and will I be paid?
Q4. My children were exposed to the virus at school before it shut, they are not sick yet but I want to stay at home to monitor them. Can I do this and will I be paid?
Q5. A near relative has died from the virus, can I have paid leave to make the funeral arrangements?
Q6. I have been told I am a key worker and should report to the office but I feel this puts me at risk. Can I refuse to come to work and what will be the consequences?
Q7. My partner has the virus but I do not, should I come to work?
Q8. If I self-isolate at home will I still be expected to work? Will I be paid if I can’t work from home?
Q9. Is self-isolation sick leave?
Q10. If I am expected to come to work and that is a risk to me, will I be paid extra?
Q11. Will the company provide extra medical help for me? For my family?
Q12. Other staff are being allowed to stay at home but I have to work. Will I be paid a bonus?
Q13. I have annual leave booked and then the office shut. Is my time off going to come off my leave?
Q14. I have been designated a key worker and don’t want to use public transport. Will you provide transport for me?
Q15 I am pregnant, is that a risk and what will you do to protect me?