Setting an example, how leading firms are helping their employees during shutdown

The panic and fear caused by the Covid-19 pandemic across the world are not hidden from anyone. More than the Covid-19 itself, the nation-wide shutdown has gripped the developing countries in the South Asia. It has all but freezed the economy, as industries have come to a standstill and the businesses are looking down the barrel.

At this stage, leading companies like Amazon, Facebook, Walmart, Reliance, PepsiCo, and Paytm are standing with their employees. They are not only supporting their employees with financial aids, but also working towards their safety.

The founder of Paytm, Vijay Shekhar Sharma has announced that he will not be taking a salary for the next two months. Sharma has decided to share the money to meet the requirements of Paytm staff in the wake of nation-wide lockdown.

It is important for the companies to care for their workforce amid a pandemic, because it is not possible for any organization to survive such a turbulent time without their support. Someone has rightly said that a company is only as good as its people. Many companies across the world are living by this mantra and providing financial aid, bonuses, and paid leaves to their employees.

On the other hand, Amazon Founder, Jeff Bezos, said, “We’re hiring for 100,000 new roles and raising wages for our hourly workers who are fulfilling orders and delivering to customers during this period of stress and turmoil.”.

The company is hiring more workers at this juncture, while the employees diagnosed with COVID-19 or placed under quarantine are being given two weeks of pay.

PepsiCo is also paying full salaries to the quarantined employees. The company will also be providing enhanced benefits to all U.S.-based employees and additional compensation to U.S. frontline employees. More than 90,000 frontline employees are covered under additional compensation at both PepsiCo Beverages North America (PBNA) and PepsiCo Foods North America (PFNA).

Additionally, Walmart has also responded to COVID-19 with more hiring and paying extra bonuses to the employees. It is hiring 150,000 new associates by the end of May to work in stores, clubs, distribution, and fulfillment centers.

Furthermore, Mukesh Ambani-led conglomerate Reliance Industries is paying its employees who are earning below Rs 30,000 per month in two installments to protect their cash flow.

The social media giant, Facebook is also giving $1,000 bonuses to its employees to help them support themselves and their families during this uncertain situation.

Many organizations from different sectors, such as FMCG, Banking, and Retail are also coming forward to take care of their employees through different initiatives and measures.