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5WPR News · Published March 23, 2020

Lauren McGuire
Executive Vice President, Digital & Social

Guidance on Coronavirus in the Workplace

coronavirus workplace guidance for businesses and employees
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Companies and corporations are scrambling to adjust to what the COVID-19 pandemic means for day-to-day business. Industries and states that haven’t already been restricted by government policy are wondering if it’s time to close shop, or what to do if an employee contracts the virus. Furthermore, there are still essential businesses that will remain open even as the fight against the virus continues. Here are some considerations for how to best navigate this uncertain situation.

Review and revise office policies

Stay up to date with regulations put in place by the government which may limit how many people are allowed in the workplace or hours of operation. Ensure that your work from home or sick leave policies are flexible, and consistent with health guidance, and make employees aware of these policies.

Encourage sick employees to stay home

Human Resources should keep up to date on potential symptoms, high-risk travel areas, and CDC recommendations and be sure to communicate these to all employees. If an employee is feeling sick, or could potentially have been exposed to the virus, encourage them to stay home and monitor themselves concerning the CDC’s guidelines.

Infected Employee

Make it clear that any employee recently in the office who has tested positive for Covid-19 needs to share this information with HR. Employees who worked closest with the infected should self-quarantine and work from home for two weeks. If the office is still open, all employees should be sent home until the space can be thoroughly cleaned, and employees should closely monitor their symptoms.
Lauren McGuire

Written by

Lauren McGuire

Lauren McGuire is a seasoned digital marketing and operations leader with over a decade of experience driving growth, innovation, and integration across diverse industries. She's had great success leading national digital operations spanning Paid Media, Influencer, and Social channels to deliver scalable, high-impact solutions. Known for her ability to design and implement systems that streamline workflows, foster cross-functional collaboration, and enhance performance, Lauren has played a pivotal role in shaping digital strategy for major brands in corporate, consumer, travel, healthcare, and lifestyle sectors. She is a trusted partner to senior leadership, guiding new business development, integrating emerging technologies like AI, and ensuring readiness for rapid market shifts. Lauren's career includes leadership roles in the agency world where she consistently delivered measurable results in media performance, team development, and revenue growth. With expertise in digital strategy, operational excellence, and advanced marketing techniques, she thrives on turning complex challenges into clear, actionable plans that drive sustainable success. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a specialization in Public Relations/Advertising from Loyola University Maryland, along with a Business Administration minor from the AACSB-accredited Sellinger School of Business.

View all articles by Lauren McGuire

Tags

  • communications
  • crisis public relations
  • 5wpr
  • strategy
  • insights
  • crisis PR
  • trends
  • covid-19
  • crisis communications

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