“How well companies pivot in this environment and in the aftermath could have a lasting effect on their reputations and brands”, says Protiviti Inc, an equal opportunity employer.
Coronavirus pandemic may be the second major disrupter of workplace after digital. But how managers respond to the implications of coronavirus in the workplace will determine productivity, success and sustainability of many companies.
Before the emergence of new technology, companies were dealing with a lot of paper work with more labour-force, meetings holding in boardrooms, operational and communication issues were almost manual.
But technology has changed most of these operational issues, enhancing collaboration, work organisation, streamlining processes and reducing cost.
Similarly, Covid-19 has given many companies the opportunity to try new ways of doing business, including allowing the staff to work from home and holding virtual meetings.
Read also: COVID-19: Akeredolu tasks service chiefs to streamline security activities in Ondo
As the pandemic upends and halts businesses globally with revenues and salaries pausing, the situation challenges board members on strategic thinking for the business especially on decisions of downsizing, salary cut, or asking a number of staff to proceed on months of leave without pay and whatever decision taken by management is expected to be backed by thorough thinking with future of the business in mind.
A senior staff in a PR firm in Nigeria told BusinessDay that even if the lockdown is relaxed, workplace may never be the way it has always been.
Already, an international agency based in Lagos has asked some its staff to proceed on compulsory leave while others were asked to resign. Similarly, some international airlines have fired a number of their staff.
Other organisations in Nigeria may be contemplating similar actions, but according to the PR expert, “sacking this time may not be the best option as finding and replacing them with experienced staff after Covid-19 may be a big issue for the companies that are focusing on sustainability. Many of the staff already understands the culture of the company”, he said.
This is the time internal communication is effective to ensure the staff continues on the track of productivity from wherever they are working from, ensure customers continuous loyalty and jot management lessons from Covid-19.
A report monitored in the Protiviti website while stating that the Covid-19 crisis is a new test of resiliency for directors, managers and employees alike, it advised that everyone must learn how to meet it together with a focus on continuous improvement, shared values and mutual trust. “It is an opportunity for the board to advise management along the lines of ensuring the culture will be stronger and more focused when the company emerges and moves full speed ahead to ramp back up to more normal operations.
“For sure, the crisis presents a test of leadership. Prioritizing and reprioritizing tasks and activities are going to be a necessary art for most organizations over the next several weeks, if not longer. Keeping teams focused on the greatest issues and risks while avoiding needless distractions, positioning themselves to ramp back up to normal operations, and building a culture of trust and empathy is the name of the game”, the report said.
COVID 19: Total Upstream, partners support people living with HIV in Lagos
NNPC/NAPIMS and Total Upstream Nigeria Limited with its partners (CNOOC, SAPETRO and PRIME) have joined forces to support the people living with HIV in Lagos with palliatives within this period of the lockdown as a result of COVID 19.
During the presentation of the 755 bags of food and livelihood support items to representatives of people living with HIV at the Secretariat of Nigeria Business Coalition against AIDS, Wokoma Ajukura, General Manager Corporate Social Responsibility Total Upstream Ltd representing the Managing Director Mike Sangster said Total Upstream and partners saw the need to provide support for people living with HIV at this time due to the challenges confronting them in terms of assessing the need treatment and drugs and the challenge of eating well to enable the drugs work well.
He said “our decision to support the People living with HIV is based on the vulnerability of the people living with HIV and the fact that Lagos is on lockdown, thus the decision to support them with some welfare palliatives such as food items and livelihood support to enable them to comply with the stay- at- home order”.
In her remarks on the initiative and partnership, Bunmi Lawson, Supervisor Community Relations who represented Bala Wunti Group Managing Director, National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) said this action is in line with the company’s goals -“touching your lives in many positive ways”.
According to her, NNPC and its partners are committed to supporting any initiative that can alleviate the discomfort of citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
She went further to encourage Nigerians to follow the instructions of the experts such as stay at home if it is not necessary to go out, wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds under running water and observe social distancing.
While welcoming the dignitaries, Gbenga Alabi, Executive Secretary Nigeria Business Coalition Against AIDS (NiBUCAA) commended the various partners of Total Upstream for the initiative and consistent support of NiBUCAA in its various advocacy programmes in the country as true corporate brands that are committed to the country’s development.
Monsurat Adeleke, Chief Executive officer Lagos State AIDS Control Agency commended Total Upstream and partners for providing leadership and strategic direction at this critical time in the life of people living with HIV.
She disclosed that the initiative is a welcome development that deserves commendation and adoption by other corporate organizations at this time.
The collaboration with Lagos State Agency for Control of AIDS, United States Agency for International Development and the coordination of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria through Nigeria Business Coalition Against AIDS is aimed at ensuring that antiretroviral drugs get to the vulnerable people in Lagos State.
In his acceptance speech, Patrick Akpan, Coordinator Lagos State chapter of Network of people living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria commended Total Upstream and partners for remembering and supporting them at this period and said that the products will no doubt provide succor.
NNPC/Total Partners are passionate about the subject of HIV/AIDS with over a decade of investments in awareness campaigns in 25 states of the Federation.
