Benefits September 26, 2001

HR Pros Outline Post-Attack Workplace

September 26, 2001 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - More than half of human resource pros expect companies to increase security in the wake of the terrorist attacks, and 37% expect business travel to be curtailed, according to a new survey.
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Still, the top response was the two-thirds that felt that employees will be more caring toward one another in the aftermath, according to the SHRM/eePulse poll, HR Implications of the Attack on America.

In addition, 35% say workers will have greater sensitivity to working high in the sky, and 31% expect workers to be more wary of their work environment.

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Be Prepared

More than half the respondents (60%) to the survey said their companies were either not prepared at all to deal with the aftermath of the attacks or were only prepared to a small extent. Just 8% said they were prepared to a great or very great extent.

While slightly more than half (54%) of firms say their organization had a disaster plan in place, many worked outside those plans to deal with the crisis.

  • 83% – allowed employees to watch TV or listen to the radio at work
  • 67% – allowed workers to postpone or cancel business travel.
  • 62% – allowed employees time off if needed
  • 51% – were flying the American flag at half- mast
  • 50% – collected money and supplies to be sent for aid
  • 49% – offered EAP (Employee Assistance Programs) services and encouraged EAP use
  • 45% – canceled meetings and events
  • 42% – circulated articles and information about crisis management

The survey included the responses of 5,673 human resource professionals.

The survey is at http://www.shrm.org/surveys/results/finaltoal.pdf

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