With concerns about the spread of the Coronavirus, many organizations and agencies are closing down and asking employees to work from home.
Telecommuting, however, isn’t an option for some businesses, including HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire in Woodbridge.
“Being in the service industry, we have to be here to take care of our customers,” the Owner explained to What’s Up Prince William. “But with that, we want to make sure we’re doing what we can to alleviate the concerns of our employees, and make sure that we’re taking care of them the best that we can.”
The Owner added that it was good to see an article in the Wall Street Journal today that gave facts about the Coronavirus and explained what to do.
HomeTowne Auto Repair, which pays for its employees’ healthcare, is encouraging staff members who aren’t feeling well to get checked out.
“If they can’t afford the copay, we are covering that,” the Owner said. “If they end up having the flu or cold and they need some medicine they can’t afford, we’re still covering that.”
Employees have two sick days included in their Paid Time Off (PTO) days. Anyone who has used those days are receiving a couple more.
Because some day cares are choosing to close at certain times to clean, the repair shop is also giving employees extra time to pick up their kids.
Parents may need to stay home if schools are closed and many are telecommuting. HomeTowne Auto Repair is offering a scheduled pick up and delivery of vehicles in its immediate, local area.
Bathrooms, reception areas and waiting rooms are being wiped down more than normal, as well.
The Owner said that small businesses are experiencing more delays in production, because of those who are ill or taking care of kids.
“Please give us a little leeway, because we are having to work with staffing issues on many levels,” he added.
