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US survey of leading companies finds organisations more concerned with Flu than Ebola
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• Communication with employees, crisis planning meetings cited as top measures taken by large organisations in response to Ebola outbreak
A survey of leading companies conducted by International SOS has found an overwhelming majority (83%) expect the flu to impact their business more than Ebola in the coming months.
Furthermore, less than a third of companies surveyed has had an employee request to change their travel plans or declined to travel due to this global outbreak.
International SOS helps organisations manage health and safety risks facing their travellers and globally mobile workforces. In its latest survey, it canvassed the opinions of more than 300 companies – including many Fortune 500 businesses - that are responding to the Ebola outbreak.
They were each asked to identify the measures they have put in place in their organisation. The top measures cited were:
• Communicated with employees on preventing Ebola 30%
• Held a crisis planning meeting or something similar 22%
• Put international travel restrictions in place 18%
• Identified and tracked employees in affected areas 16%
Additionally, when asked about the number one challenge faced by their organisation in responding to the Ebola outbreak:
• 35% said keeping up to date with the latest information
• 18% said managing employee travel plans
“The survey confirms what we’ve seen with a number of our clients recently,” said Dr. Robert Quigley, Senior Vice President of Medical Assistance for International SOS. “When a medical outbreak like this occurs and highlights international exposure, organisations need help in deciphering fact from fiction.”
“Organisations with dispersed, global workforces must be prepared,” Quigley added. “Ebola is front of mind today, but you must be prepared for the next, and oftentimes unexpected, event. Having a well-thought plan can help drive an appropriate response.”
As part of their response to the Ebola virus outbreak, International SOS launched a new microsite (https://www.internationalsos.com/ebola/) to provide members of the public with updates and critical information.
“The Ebola outbreak has served as a wake-up call for many organisations to revisit and update their emergency preparedness plans,” said Quigley. “A thorough plan enables companies to mitigate the risk associated with the outbreak of the disease and is critical in maintaining business continuity when such situations occur.”
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About the International SOS Group of Companies
The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business of saving lives, protecting your global workforce from health and security threats. Wherever you are, we deliver customised health, security risk management and wellbeing solutions to fuel your growth and productivity. In the event of extreme weather, an epidemic or a security incident, we provide an immediate response providing peace of mind. Our innovative technology and medical and security expertise focus on prevention, offering real-time, actionable insights and on-the-ground quality delivery. We help protect your people, your organisation's reputation, as well as support your compliance reporting needs. By partnering with us, organisations can fulfil their Duty of Care responsibilities, while empowering business resilience, continuity and sustainability.
Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group, headquartered in London & Singapore, is trusted by 12,000 organisations, including the majority of the Fortune 500, as well as mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions and NGOs. 12,000 multicultural medical, security and logistics experts stand with you to provide support & assistance from over 1,000 locations in 90 countries, 24/7, 365 days.
To protect your workforce, we are at your fingertips: www.internationalsos.com
