Experts say that a well-defined travel policy regarding safety rules, annual vacation, return quarantine, etc. should be shared with staff
With the Covid-19 pandemic still raging in some parts of the world, companies in the UAE are expected to establish temporary employee travel policies that cover annual vacation rules, Covid testing and quarantine measures.
Employment experts said some organizations have already adopted strict workplace protection protocols when employees travel overseas.
“Given the increased risk of travel exposure, employers should continue to discourage business travel and possibly introduce a temporary travel policy related to Covid-19,” said Vineet Mehra, director of sales at Adecco Middle East, a global HR solutions company, told Khaleej Times .
These guidelines should consider not only safety rules and quarantine time on return, but also how annual leave should apply in the event of travel restrictions. For example, with the UAE’s flights from India suspended, many stranded expats are now worried about their jobs. How should vacation credit be withdrawn in the event of unexpected restrictions? Is work-from-home an option? These concerns need to be addressed in the companies’ temporary travel policies.
“A well-defined travel policy with regard to safety rules, annual leave, quarantine after return, etc. should be communicated to employees in advance of the upcoming holiday season. This could help employees plan their vacation and travel while limiting the potential spread of Covid-19 in the workplace, “Mehra said.
“The most cautious thing would be for the employee to work from home for two weeks to minimize the risk of infecting others. Alternatively, employees who tested negative for Covid-19 can return to work after the quarantine period is over, “he added.
Clarise Morris, human resources manager for Leviton Middle East and Africa, said employees are also being asked to review travel restrictions and policies prior to departure.
“If the country is at Tier 3 or Tier 4 (high risk), we encourage them to postpone their trip to a later date,” said Morris.
“The health and well-being of our employees are taken into account every step of the way. All employees who are on business must adhere to all Covid-related protocols implemented by the company. Our employees are advised to comply with the travel restrictions of the state / country when traveling.
“Quarantine protocols for vaccinated and unvaccinated employees are required separately. We have shared different guidelines for traveling for business and personal reasons. These guidelines include instructions for travel to specific countries, vaccinations and quarantine protocols, ”she added.
Mehra also said employers should look into workers’ other activities while on a business trip. “For example, the policy could discourage employees from visiting high-risk businesses or places such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars or gyms during their downtime.”
Morris agreed that such security reviews are necessary. “Employees applying for a leave of absence need to provide information about where they are going – whether domestically, internationally and / or on a cruise. We see cases where employees take shorter vacations to enjoy a short stay or vacation as opposed to longer vacation periods. “
She added that well-being initiatives will be put in place to “mitigate the effects of the pandemic caused by factors such as lack of travel, absence of families or simple lifestyle changes in the country of residence”.
Many companies are now more flexible when it comes to annual vacation, said Mehra. “Several companies are introducing flexible vacation programs, a free spa day, extended paid vacation, etc. to support employees who may have been exposed to Covid-19. Organizations help employees make better use of their annual vacation. Some are allowed to convert unused vacation into cash, while others may carry over more days of unused vacation. “
james@khaleejtimes.com
