Columbus Chamber Blog: Information about economic development, economic and business trends, Columbus workforce, programs, events and the Chamber of Commerce in and around Columbus, OH

Being Prepared for H1N1

We have partnered with Columbus Public Health and the Franklin County Board of Health, to provide information to the business community.

A recent Harvard study said that businesses are not prepared to handle a major outbreak of illness, such as H1N1. In this study businesses said that if a majority of their workforce had to be away from the workplace, they could not sustain business operations.

I have also heard a prediction that at least 70 percent of us will personally be affected by this illness. Not that we’ll all have H1N1 but that we’ll need to care for a family member, cover for a colleague who is not at work, or change our travel or meeting plans.

Think about how this will affect your business operations.

As a business community, we need to be prepared. There are numerous steps you can take including:

• Consider telecommuting options for those who have been exposed or who are caring for a sick family member.
• Offer flexible leave policies so those who are ill will stay home – to protect the rest of your employees and customers.
• Cross train employees now to make sure you have the capacity to sustain vital operations.
• Educate your workforce on steps they can take to stay healthy such as washing hands and obtaining flu vaccinations.
• If you rely heavily on outsourcing, check with your vendors to insure they have a plan.

You need to take the steps that work for your business. But remember that the plans you implement in your business affect the health and wellness of our community as a whole.  We want your business to be sustainable and our community to be healthy – economically and physically.

This year’s economy has presented a challenge for many businesses. We know that you are resilient and that you will persevere. Thank you for taking the time to discuss and plan for what could be a business-changing situation. 

Top Ten Reasons to Live in Columbus

10.    You’ll be entertained. We have international ballet, major league sports, more park space per capita, fabulous restaurants, world-class golf, museums, art galleries, concerts and more.

9.    You’ll live longer: We care about the environment, encourage bicycling, and were voted a top place to retire.

8.    Your dollar stretches. We boast a low cost of living – including housing prices: Columbus was ranked the most affordable market for home buyers!

7.    You can work AND play. Our low commute times take you back home or around town in time for evening activities.

6.    There are numerous opportunities for employment. From our 14 Fortune 1,000 companies, to entrepreneurs, and everything in between, our economy is made up of diverse industries.

5.    You’ll feel young. The age of Columbus residents is below the national average. Columbus is one of the top 10 blogging communities in the nation.  Our workforce is young, educated and dedicated. Plus, with more than 115,000 college students surrounding you, who wouldn’t feel young?

4.     Location, location, location. Columbus is the center of the Midwest.  We’re a one-day drive or one hour flight of nearly half the population – so friends and family can visit easily.

3.    We’re smart. We’re home to The Ohio State University, one of the top public universities in the nation, plus 24 other colleges and universities.  Our population exceeds the national average in educational attainment.

2.    We’re open. As a Midwest city, we’re friendly.  It’s easy to get connected and we’re one of the top cities for volunteerism.

1.    Don’t you want to see what all the buzz is about? Money Magazine rates Columbus the eight best city in which to live. We’ve been ranked the best metro for business; the #1 up-and-coming tech city, the ninth most affordable place to live, and are home to many of the nation’s “best places to work.”  And, we’re home to the state capital.  Things are happening here. Check out why Columbus is the best of everything!