Sorting through the myths and facts about COVID-19 can be challenging for everyone. However, when employees have widely divergent beliefs and/or spread misconceptions, it can negatively affect the workplace and people’s ability to do their jobs effectively. Here are some ways you can help stop the spread of misinformation about COVID-19:
- Provide reliable and consistent sources of information including the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Professional organizations such as the American Health Care Association, LeadingAge, and AMDA—The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine are also reliable sources that share vetted information.
- Communicate frequently about the virus. Repeat facts regularly.
- Encourage employees to think critically about what they hear and to ask questions.
- Caution workers about misinformation and myths that may be circulating.
- Restate your antidiscrimination, antiharassment policies.
- Communicate what you are doing to support employees.
- Train the management team and all leaders on these points.
