An employers’ guide on managing your workplace during COVID-19

The recent outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is an unprecedented situation globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) and public health authorities around the world are taking action to slow the outbreak of COVID-19 and reduce infection rates. A range of policies and measures are being taken by national governments, including border closures, mandatory quarantines, restrictions of movement, prohibitions on large gatherings, and lockdowns of cities or entire countries, resulting in widespread changes to ordinary life and business activity.

While many enterprises are developing and implementing business continuity plans during the current pandemic, all employers need to adequately prepare, manage, and respond as the COVID-19 pandemic develops, including preparing for scaling down operations or possible mandatory business closures.

What should employers do? This Guide was developed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) to help employers manage their workplace during COVID-19: running your business, protecting your workers, and answering some of the workplace relations and occupational safety and health (OSH) questions that employers have.