Balancing Support For Vulnerable Employees and Business Needs

As if Covid-19 was not enough to cope with, being classified as extremely clinically vulnerable is putting great strain on many employees as they try to manage their situations. Despite being considered to be at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, some 22% of disabled employees have reportedly had requests to alter working patterns declined.

Are you taking all necessary steps as an employer to assist your extremely clinically vulnerable staff? Follow our 7 step guide to find out.

Step 1 - Identification. Identify those who are clinically extremely vulnerable. These employees will have been directly contacted by the NHS to confirm their status.

Step 2 - Assess the risk. For each identified employee create a risk assessment which considers their particular health condition but also the demands of their job role and the location of their work. Ensure home working is also assessed as well as ergonomic, mental-health and well-being impacts of any changes.

Step 3 - Seek guidance. As well as keeping up to date with updates to government guidance, seek guidance from those who have expertise in the conditions of your employees.

Step 4 - Consider the alternatives. Where employees cannot work from home, but cannot do their usual job role because of their particular vulnerability, consider alternative roles or limiting their exposure to areas or activities that may increase risk.

Step 5 - Work together and communicate clearly and effectively. Engage with employees early, listen to them and invite their suggestions on how you can best support them. If this can be a joint effort, it is likely to have greater success. Explain the measures that need to be taken and the factors you have considered in making decisions. Clarify the boundaries and precautions and confirm how you can help make these work.

Step 6 - Monitor. Keep the situation under regular review; consider doing this on a very regular basis initially; staff with vulnerabilities will need your regular, ongoing assurance as well as a confirmed time where they can raise concerns.

Step 7 - Keep learning. Knowledge about the virus is still advancing daily, so keeping on top of the latest developments is key. Remember that workers may become vulnerable, so ensure you have a process to become aware of this - that means an open door to those who have a new diagnosis, begin certain treatments or become pregnant.

Difficult times will continue to call for extended measures to ensure our workforce continues to be safe and as healthy as possible.