Employers and business leaders around the world are all scrambling to solidify their business plans and organise their teams amid the COVID-19 outbreak. This task is made even more daunting by the widespread implementation of remote working as a means to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. On top of all this, leaders must also prepare for the worse-case scenario; that of receiving the call from an employee who says they have tested positive for COVID-19.
Such a situation can be stressful and presents a complex challenge. Leaders must be sensitive and humane while also being quick to act as a manager. Regardless of whether workers are working from home or are continuing to commute to work, leaders must possess emotional intelligence and the ability to take decisive action.