Employees Should Remain Of Utmost Importance
The unexpected rush of the second wave of COVID-19 left all of us quite unsettled again. While we were all getting ready to move out of the aftermath of the first wave & were optimistic for a better 2021, little did we know that the pandemic would hit us again with vengeance? The last 15 months have taught us to exhibit consistency and perseverance.
When 2021 just arrived and cases started to recede, combined with the aggressive implementation of the vaccination drive, a silver lining began to appear for corporates as well the economy. The recent media survey estimated in January 2021, that India's real gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow by 11% in 2021-22 on the back of nationwide vaccination drive to flatten the waves in the future. Later in February 2021, S&P Global Ratings, predicted that India will likely grow 10% in the next financial year, as a result of a continued economic recovery gathering steam.
However, the situation changed in April and corporates had to again go back to remote working conditions owing to multiple regional lockdowns. Be it small-time businesses or even multinational companies, every business was coaxed to manage business continuity while dealing with a stronger second wave. While the whole country was grappling with a painfully strained health infrastructure, India Inc. was also dealing with ways to overcome the wellness issues of their employees.
Organizations battled hard over the last couple of months, to maintain the mental and physical health of their employees and their families. We anticipated much early that the health & wellness of our employees will remain our top priority even in the chaotic times. A dedicated Covid Task Force, sharpened Hospital networks for employees & their family members, an easier access to the emergency healthcare that they might need, were all a part of key relief measures during the pandemic, especially the second wave. At InterGlobe Enterprises, we procured oxygen concentrators, to be used as a floating resource across the organization for anyone in need at the time when accessibility of oxygen around the city was difficult, thus providing some comfort to the affected families.
Additionally, companies focused on the most important aspect, which is the mental fitness of the employees. For instance, we established an Employee Assistance Partner last year, to provide a platform for regular counselling with employees, webinars on various topics and sharing of relevant reading material to keep our employees engaged. Continuous communication with the Covid affected employees or their families was highly valued. New “Covid leaves”, over and above the sick & hospitalization leaves were introduced for employees to take care of themselves or their families.
We ardently hope that this too shall pass. However, the pandemic did shift gears as to how we look at our priorities at work. In these trying times, the leaders and managers ensured that the team remains empathetic towards their colleagues and stakeholders internally or externally. It was evident that everyone cared for the other’s well-being and comfort. Work was important but not at the cost of anyone’s health. Compassion being the foundation, we all built a supportive ecosystem for all employees during the pandemic.
In conclusion, we can say that as we are coming out of the harder times and with economy also coming back to its shape, our employees remain our biggest assets whom we should keep safe, secure, and motivated. No matter how difficult the situation may turn out to be, employees should remain of utmost importance to make certain that a healthy and coherent business momentum is upheld.
Mother Teresa, once said these beautiful lines which I starkly remember, “None of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful". These lines fit aptly in the current situation, where we all need each other’s support, empathy, and compassion to overcome biggest global disruption in the last 100 years.
(The given article is attributed to KS Bakshi, Group Head - Human Resources, InterGlobe Enterprises Private Ltd. and solely created for BW People Publication)
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article above are those of the authors' and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of this publishing house
