Employee Wellbeing Takes Precedence Over All Else: Dinesh Chhabra, Usha
COVID-19 has had a profound impact on the way we work, spurred organizations to evolve, and adapt to newer ways of working, making remote or hybrid work-models the order of the day.
The ‘World Day for Safety and Health at Work’ encourages the creation of a robust safety and health ecosystem in workplaces across the globe. As India grapples with the deadlier second wave of COVID-19, infections rates are skyrocketing, and our healthcare systems are keeling over trying to keep up with the sheer numbers of cases being recorded each day, marking what this day symbolizes more important than ever.
While the Government is working tirelessly to strengthen medical systems, administer vaccinations, and create awareness regarding mandated safety norms, each of us as citizens also has a duty we need to commit to. The responsibility also falls on leaders in corporate organizations to motivate their workforce to stay indoors, mask up when they need to step out for essential work, practice social distancing, and encourage all those eligible to take the COVID-19 vaccine.
As important as physical health is, the past year has also led us to realize the critical importance of mental wellbeing. At a time when people in the country (and the world) are going through emotional, physical, social, and financial upheavals all at the same time, organizations need to come forth to tackle issues that may impact the mental wellbeing of their employees. Corporate leaders should inculcate a culture of mindfulness, empathy, and absolute support, backed by frequent check-ins at both professional and personal levels, facilitating counselling assistance, team support, etc. Such Best Practices go a long way in ensuring the holistic health and safety of the workforce.
A few things we at Usha are doing, and encourage others to adopt are:
Lead By Example
It is upon us to lead by example. Therefore, it is time that we, as responsible citizens, and senior industry leaders, walk the talk. Leadership teams of companies should adopt best practices with respect to COVID-19 precautions, so as to instill inspiration amongst employees. They should diligently adhere to all protocols and serve as an example for others to follow.
Continue Practicing Remote /Hybrid Work-Models
As the second deadly wave of the Coronavirus outbreak has now hit, companies that returned to office must now go back into work-from-home mode, urging their employees to stay at home and follow the safety protocols. At Usha as well, we have mandated continuation of the work-from-home system for all departments. Only those whose physical presence is absolutely critical for business is allowed into offices, and that to following the mandated protocols.
Strengthening The Support System
Learnings from last year tell us that during difficult times like these, companies need to support their workers in every possible manner – encouraging work-from-home, ensuring logistical and technical requirements are in place, allowing flexible hours and additional time off for those taking care of older parents or younger children, no-questions-asked paid sick leaves to those who may test positive, etc. At Usha, we have gone one-step ahead to encourage eligible employees to be vaccinated – we are reimbursing all employees for the cost of their COVID-19 shot.
Special Programs And Initiatives
These include regular employee-engagement sessions with specialists and experts, professional skilling, and mentoring workshops, open-feedback sessions that address concerns employees may have, seminars with health/nutrition experts on safety, wellness, and fitness tips, town-halls led by the leadership team to keep employees informed and motivated. Additionally, we also have fun and games sessions for employees and their families in order to keep their spirits high.
The sooner people, and companies, become aware of the grave snowballing impact COVID-19 induced lockdowns and curfews have on businesses, livelihood of individuals, and the economy by extension, the sooner we will be able to curb this chain of transmission. Businesses, leaders, individuals – everyone must play their role in order to ensure the wellbeing of their employees – in their homes, in offices, in factories and wherever else needed.
The author is Dinesh Chhabra, CEO, Usha International
