With a major winter storm moving its way across Atlanta this afternoon, it seemed an appropriate time to remind both businesses and employees of their responsibilities in bad weather.
For Businesses:
1. Create an emergency hotline. If you don't have one, add this to your action plan for the coming year. Create one place that every level of employee can go to find out if work will be canceled or impacted by inclement weather and other emergencies.
2. Be flexible. Give as much leeway as you can to allow your staff to work from home. While telecommuting may not be ideal in all situations for your business, you might be better off allowing it when schools are canceled and travel conditions are bad.
3. Plan ahead. If your business needs to operate regardless of the weather, put plans in place to manage for all types of conditions or to run on a skeleton crew if you can.
For Employees:
1. Be proactive. Make sure you know what your company's emergency plan is and what number to call to find out the latest news. Take the initiative to find out the information yourself, rather than relying on your boss to seek you out.
2. Plan for kids. Schools often close when businesses stay open. Establish a back-up plan for childcare and ask your boss about telecommuting when schools are closed. Don't assume that your workplace will give you the day off if your kids are out.
3. Be prepared. If you do have to work, make sure that your tools (ice scraper, umbrella, etc.) are at the ready. Set out everything you need the night before, and set your alarm early. Bad weather always equals a bad commute, so look like a rock star by still making it to work on time.
Whether you are a business-owner or an employee, take inclement weather seriously by preparing for it.
Photo by jpctalbot
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