ZS, a global professional services firm announced a range of relief measures to employees and their families during the second wave of Covid-19. These measures were introduced to help employees combat pandemic-induced disruptions and range from testing and vaccination support to extended paid leaves and home care support. The company has offered extended 10-week paid time off to recover from Covid-19, support family, or prioritize mental health – depending on individual needs.
Harsha Peter, Human Resources Manager at ZS said, “The firm stood like a sturdy roof to guard and support ZSers and their families through this storm of Covid, especially the second wave. The support encompassed several medical facilities, financial aid, mental wellbeing assistance through counseling, post-Covid trauma management, in-office vaccination drives, and vaccination reimbursements. The wellbeing of our people remains a top priority for us and we are already preparing for any forthcoming circumstances.”
Hospital tie-ups for comprehensive medical support
In order to scale up the vaccination of its employees, ZS has been conducting vaccination drives in their office premises. The firm is also reimbursing the vaccination costs of employees if they are unable to get the shot in the office facility. So far, 1100+ ZSers have been vaccinated and in the coming days, they plan to scale their efforts to cover employees working from remote locations as well. Essential medical supplies like oxygen concentrators, digital thermometers, and home-testing kits were arranged for ZSers who were battling with Covid-19 and isolating at home.
Focus on mental health and wellbeing
The second wave had triggered a devastating ripple effect across the country. As the circumstances took a beating on the mental health and balance of people, ZS pledged to stand by its employees and provide them with ample resources that can be availed to enhance their overall wellbeing. An in-house team of ZSers stood as Covid warriors to assist their colleagues, family, and friends 24*7 in getting a hospital bed, nursing support, and scouting for local help. The team also partnered with dedicated on-call doctors for additional consultations.
Facilitated financial aid
The company supplemented their employee insurance offerings by adding a home care Covid support for employees and their family members, even after the patient is discharged from the hospital. With the added benefits, employees could avail services like 24*7 virtual/teleconsultation, emergency responses, Covid-related tests at home, IV therapy, ambulance support, hospital beds, oxygen needs, and availability of medicines.
Esha Gulati, Regional HR Lead at ZS said, “Our people have contributed immensely to making ZS what it is today. For us, it’s always people first and we are striving to be available for them in these dire circumstances and extend support in every possible way. It was natural for everyone to step up and help those who got impacted with the second wave of Covid – be it their own team, Covid warriors, ZS leadership, or even clients, just like how your family is there for you.”
Vikas Kumar, Software Engineering & Technology Manager at ZS, who was affected with Covid shares his experience saying, “I am grateful for the instant action and support from ZS for arranging oxygen supply for my wife. The team promptly helped me find a hospital bed, coordinating end-to-end and ensuring that I get timely treatment. Knowing that I have such a strong backing, brought a sense of safety and sanity during difficult times.”
Apart from just helping employees and their families, ZS has also invested heavily in the communities through various organizations and provided support to many citizens during this time.