Sezzle implements mandatory work-from-home policy, others to follow?

Buy-Now-Pay-Later provider Sezzle (ASX: SZL) has taken proactive measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus amongst its employees by implementing a mandatory work-from-home policy across its global offices. 

To be implemented immediately, the company has all the necessary technology in place to perform key work functions via cloud computing without any business interruptions to its customers or merchant partners. 

The Company has also flagged unlimited sick leave for any employees showing signs of flu-like symptoms. 

The move follows political pressure to drastically contain the spread of COVID-19 with the World Health Organisation declaring it a pandemic, President Trump declaring a State of Emergency and Australia in lockdown with a mandatory 2-week self isolation period for travellers, as well as social distancing laws implemented. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic that is currently unfolding puts everything into perspective,” said Sezzle CEO, Charlie Youakim, 

“We are in a global health emergency, and our priority is to make sure that we’re doing everything we can to help with the response. Our business is in a strong position, which allows us to help others. We will do our best to support our stakeholders as we all work through these events.”

Beyond their work-from-home policy for employees, Sezzle has ceased all work-related travel and will be offering its BNPL customers with payment flexibility options to reschedule payments which are due during this difficult period. 

The decision by Sezzle is a socially responsible proactive one and follows on from Telstra (ASX: TLS), Australia’s largest telecommunications company, to send its 20,000 office staff home to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. 

This morning, Crown Resorts (ASX: CWN) announced it would shut down every second pokies machine to meet new social distancing regulations which require 1.5 metres of distance between people in public places. 

Hours after Sezzle announced its work-from-home policy, the U.S Centre for Disease Control formally recommended that any activities with 50 or more participants be cancelled over the next 8 weeks throughout the United States.