KUALA LUMPUR: As the holiday season approaches, employers must prioritise the safety and wellbeing of their global workforce, especially during this period of increased travel.
International SOS regional medical director Dr Kate O’Reilly said as employees plan their holiday travels, organisations must recognise that the festive period typically coincides with heightened risks of respiratory viruses, including colds, flu, Covid-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
“Proactively supporting the workforce with pre-travel health briefings and resources can help employees stay healthy and prepared.
“Providing resources for managing travel stress and encouraging healthy habits such as eating healthily, staying hydrated, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can minimise the risk of illness.
“Additionally, it is crucial to remind travelling employees to ensure their vaccines are up to date and they are aware of any medical alerts for their destinations,” she said in a press release issued by International SOS here, today.
Meanwhile, International SOS chief security analyst Michael Rogers said that travellers must stay well-informed and prepared to handle sudden and potentially significant disruptions due to geopolitical or socio- economic forces, natural hazards, and other threats.
“Organisations should ensure that their employees are aware of the security risks associated with their travel destinations.
“Providing access to real-time security updates and having a robust emergency response plan can significantly mitigate potential risks.
“Travelling during the holidays involves more than choosing a destination, it requires careful consideration of safety,” he said.
To help organisations ensure the health and safety of their travelling workforces this holiday season, International SOS offers the following expert tips:
* Provide access to critical information,
* Prioritise health and wellbeing,
* Ensure security awareness,
* Establish clear communication protocols, and
* Promote flexibility and contingency planning
More information on how to keep the workforce safe and healthy during the festive season is obtainable from the International SOS website.
