COVID-19 Middle East: returning to work
Explore the key issues Middle East employers need to be aware of when considering returning to the workplace
Responding to coronavirus
As we continue to deal with the ongoing fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, the CIPD continues to collate and publish updated resources to support the people profession
The spread of COVID-19, commonly referred to as the coronavirus, is an exceptional circumstance with ongoing ramifications for organisations, individuals and society on every level. As the situation continues to develop and change, the CIPD will provide updated advice, resources and guidance to support employers and people professionals in their response.
Key content
Find out more
KSA coronavirus FAQs
Get answers to the most commonly asked KSA labour law related questions and understand how to support your business through a global health emergency
UAE coronavirus FAQs
Get answers to the most commonly asked UAE labour law related questions and understand how to support your business through a global health emergency
Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for GCC employers
CIPD factsheet on how to support your business and workforce through a global health emergency
Coronavirus: supporting your people through a global public health emergency
Coronavirus has hit global headlines in recent weeks, with the World Health Organization declaring a global public health emergency
Reports
Embedding new ways of working post-pandemic
Employers’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic prompts renewed thinking about working practices
Reports
Flexible working: lessons from the pandemic
From the 'nature' of the work to the design of work: based on case studies and research into enforced flexible working measures during COVID-19, this report outlines strategies to make a success of hybrid working
Reports
Digital learning in a post-COVID-19 economy
This literature review explores how digital learning can support upskilling and reskilling for the post-pandemic recovery
Resources and guidance to help you
Click on the icons below to see a list of relevant resources.
General information
People policy and legal considerations
Flexible and homeworking
Returning to the workplace
CIPD position
The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is an exceptional event posing a threat to worker health and safety and a risk to business operations.
As a new virus, it’s unclear how long the threat will last so organisations must plan for weeks and possibly months of disruption.
Employee health, safety and well-being during this time is paramount. Employers need to be proactive in protecting their people and minimising the risk to staff and business continuity. The people profession needs to be at the forefront of the plans and critical decisions being made about the workforce.
They must recognise that many of their people will be anxious about contracting the virus and how they might cope financially if they are to be absent from work. Constant communication with the workforce and early action are key.
By swiftly adopting agile and flexible working practices, and being generous with sick pay for example, organisations will be better positioned to contain the coronavirus and minimise disruption to business.
Even so, the risk cannot be completely eliminated. Governments, employers and employees must all be ready to take additional steps to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus.
Read the community forum discussions
Post your questions and see what others are doing in their organisations in response to the coronavirus