Gartner is advising its clients to plan for the coronavirus. It recommends a planning assumption of 25% absenteeism, an estimate based on the fallout from other viruses such as SARS and H5N1. Employers should prepare for remote work as well as services and support for employees.
Many firms rely on overseas applications and support services, including HR applications. But China isn’t a major exporter of those services, accounting for about 3% to 5% of service exports globally, said Eric Simonson, managing partner in the research practice at the Everest Group.