Swine Flu threat raises telework questions

Another reminder of the need for business continuity plans that include telework, analysts say
By Ann Bednarz , Network World , 04/28/2009

The possibility of a widespread swine flu outbreak is prompting companies to think about business continuity and how options such as telework may become a necessity.
Companies that have solid telework plans in place are in good shape, says Chuck Wilsker, president and CEO of The Telework Coalition in Washington, D.C. Those that aren't prepared to have employees work offsite may find operations at a standstill if the swine flu threat were to escalate to the point of widespread absenteeism or building closures. "This is a really lousy economic time for businesses to have to go cold turkey and not be able to carry on," Wilsker says.
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So far, most businesses that are inquiring about telework to address swine flu concerns are curious, but not overreacting, Wilsker says. "I'm seeing interest and concern, not panic. But people are asking if telework is something that can be used to offset this."
Wilsker sees the swine flu threat as one more reason for companies to get serious about enabling telework. Just as the 9/11 terrorist attacks, hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the 2005 New York transit strike and the Minneapolis bridge collapse highlighted the need for business continuity plans, "it's one more thing to make organizations realize that once you're prepared for something like this, you're prepared," he says.

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