The 700 IPG Mediabrands staff in Australia have joined other media agencies working from home in a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus.
"From Monday, 16th March, IPG Mediabrands Australia has implemented a work from home (WFH) policy as prudent management for our people until Friday, 27th March," the company announced in a statement.
"During this time, we will continue to assess the situation and decide if further action is required. This policy applies to all Mediabrands Australia, as well as data-driven solutions business Kinesso.
"Each of our businesses and employees are committed to providing continued engagement with clients, media owners and other business partners and we do not anticipate any disruptions."
IPG Mediabrands joins WPP, the world's biggest advertising company with 130,000 employees, and ViacomCBS, the owner Network 10.
WPP had already cut international travel, and extended the ban to domestic flights. Global CEO Mark Read told staff: "The next few months will be tough, but I have every confidence in our ability to come through this situation together."
In Australia, a WPP AUNZ spokesperson: “WPP AUNZ is working closely with its brands, leaders and employees to implement the policy of Managed Remote Working and restricted travel. Protecting the health of our employees is of the utmost importance, and taking these steps will also ensure we remain very much open for business.”
The move follows alerts in other advertising industry companies, including OMD and Foxtel Media, both of which sent staff home after a potential coronovirus case, which later came out as a negative.
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