Business-critical
BESIX fully supports the measures that have been taken by different European governments in the last couple of hours. We all have an active role to play to slow down the spread of the virus on our respective territories.
You’ll find below the most recent guidelines, taken at Group level in the light of the Belgian decision to close schools, restaurants & stop all mass gatherings, events, etc. These guidelines are mandatory for Belgium and can help entities in other parts of the world decide how to adopt/adapt them depending of the local situation and local governmental plans.
1. Catering
a. In head offices in Belgium: collective catering facilities are closed as from Monday 16 March to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people. Lunches brought from home can be taken at one’s desk or in meeting rooms, provided that the sanitary distance is respected.
b. On project sites in Belgium: as a general rule, meal breaks should be split on extended timeframe, using a rota system and several locations, to reduce the grouping of persons in a confined space. If necessary, extra space facilities can be hired. If this appears unfeasible on a site, the Operations manager should be informed to discussed local, ad-hoc solutions.
c. On project sites in other countries: the same precautionary measures must be applied, esp. if governmental orders have been given to close restaurants.
2. Cleaning: every entity must request to their cleaning partners an increased frequency of cleaning of their premises (offices & project sites) with the appropriate disinfecting product.
3. Teleworking
a. In Belgium: all departments, even project teams when possible, are advised to turn to a 50-50 regime where half the team works at home and half the team works at the office/on-site. Priority for the teleworking rota should be given to employees with children up to 14 years old when schools are closed.
b. For non-business critical activities, this 50-50 ratio can increase towards more teleworking. Business critical processes need on the other hand to be safeguarded at the office and on-site. Line managers organize their teams accordingly and inform their General Manager on the matter.
c. Line managers organize telework in such a way that operational objectives are achieved to the best possible extent. For functions that are incompatible with teleworking, employees need to come to work as long as they are not sick.
d. The rule of telework also applies to consultants/freelance staff, if agreed by the General Managers. Consultants/freelance staff who would be unable to telework must be suspended of pay.
e. Reminder: every teleworking request must be registered in the Leave System to ensure proper insurance coverage.
4. School closures
a. In Belgium: the scenario of a healthy employee who must stay at home to watch kids up to 14 years old, and who can’t therefore efficiently telework, is currently under review. Sector or governmental regulations can influence this in the coming days.
b. Concretely for next week: employees in this situation must take regular holiday leave until further notice.
5. Temporary unemployment
a. In Belgium: BESIX’s businesses that are directly impacted by the governmental regulations to close non-essential retail shops & hospitality places are under review, and their staff will if possible be put in temporary economical unemployment due to force majeure or economic reasons. Measures are developed by the governments as we speak. This is followed very closely at Corporate level to make sure employees in this situation receive clear information as soon as possible.
6. Meetings, travels & training
a. As a general rule, for everyone, physical meetings are discouraged.
b. All business travels are banned; private travels are discouraged.
c. All training classes at the BESIX Academy (Brussels) are temporarily suspended and the Academy closed.
7. IT service desk
a. In Belgium: it is recommended to reach out to the IT service desk by phone or digitally. The physical service desk at the Brussels head office will work behind closed doors to avoid close contacts.
b. The IT service desk can be reached at the following number: (int) 555 or (ext) +32.2.402.65.55 or +32.2.206.75.60 or by email at ict@besix.com.
c. The company will be heavily relying on IT in the coming weeks. IT will do its best to serve everyone and counts on users’ understanding for any delays.
d. Requests for hardware can be made, although there are limited stocks.
8. Practical details
a. Don’t forget to consult regularly the Coronavirus Alert page on the Group intranet.
b. Questions? Send an email to covid.helpdesk@besix.com.
c. How to use Skype efficiently: consult the fact-sheets here.