Page 26 - Banking Finance March 2022

ARTICLE

again. This pandemic has impacted all the industries. Firms have taken various measures to protect their
Pandemic has hit the employee's physical, mental and employees. From 'work from anywhere' to 'limited working
emotional wellbeing. People are working in fear and hour', firms are adopting all measures to protect the
worries. The outbreak of coronavirus disease, has adversely employees from this deadly virus. Still there is need to adopt
affected the moral of the employees. Many people have lost the innovative ways to provide safe & healthy work
their life in this unprecedented disaster, many have suffered environment to the employees. Some of things that the HR
financially due to high expenditure on medical treatment should do on a continuous basis are as follows:-
and many are still struggling for their mental and emotional Y HR is responsible for building safe space for employees
wellbeing. to perform their role to the best of their abilities and
provide them with self-care tools and resources.
In this rapidly changing environment, when the people are Y HR has to ensure regular test and screening that are
facing many challenges; the role of the HR department has
becoming norms in the new normal.
become extremely important. Keeping workforce happy,
Y There is need of employee's education on how to
healthy and productive amidst all these challenges is one of
the prime concerns before the HR department. HR has to prevent, identify and manage issues like depression,
find the innovative ways to keep the workforce align to the anxiety and low self- esteem.
organizational objectives and has to make a bigger impact Y HR has to step up and support their employees and
to boost the morale of the workforce. prioritize their mental and emotional wellbeing.
Y HR has to encourage employees to take time for self-
Employees Wellbeing & Individual care and for caring their friends & family members.

Resilient behavior: - Y HR needs to offer expanded support in everything from
The employees have shown tremendous courage and employee's assistance programs to programs for
dedication in this unprecedented time to provide the mindfulness, exercise, nutrition and financial counseling
uninterrupted service to their customers. But the virus is on continuous basis and adopt these programs as a
more fatal this time. Many employees are infected by this routine exercise.
deadly virus while performing their duty causing severe Y To inculcate mindfulness in the workforce, HR will have
health issues. We have lost many of our friends and to go beyond the annual retreat and make programs
colleagues. This is uncertain time for employees and their that not only support team building but also provide
family members and we are seeing a major surge in panic, employees with emotional and psychological strength
depression and anxiety among employees. These to deal with an increasing uncertain world.
unprecedented times has raised the stress levels of the
Y Most importantly, during this exceptionally stressful
employees and the onus is on the HR department to channel
time, keep lines of communication open and regularly
these emotions in order to keep their employees safe, keeping them informed about the resources and
motivated and productive.
benefits available to them.
Y Employees with a greater sense of holistic wellbeing can
contribute more fully and bring their best to their work.

Employees wellbeing have a direct impact of their resilient
behavior and consequently on the business results. In the
situation like this, HR, in addition to handling the business
requirements, is also responsible for managing concerns and
apprehensions of their employees.

Power of Human Connection- Facilitating
communications among employees

The one thing that is incredibly important is the power of

26 | 2022 | MARCH | BANKING FINANCE