Almost half of the world’s multinationals have put a limit on travel to
countries affected by SARS, research has found.
A poll of just under 400 multinational organisations, by US HR management
consultancy Organization Resources Counselors (ORC), shows that most companies
now require high-level approval for business trips.
A fifth of firms are paying for expats to return from the most seriously
affected regions.
Employers are taking action to stop the spread of SARS. Some are letting
returning staff take time away from the office as unpaid leave while others
expect staff to work from home.
Four out of 10 firms are conducting surveillance of employees with SARS-like
symptoms.
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Geoffrey Latta, executive vice-president at ORC, said: "If the number
of cases grows, companies may implement stronger restrictions. But employers
are doing the right thing by communicating with staff on the issue."
