The consecutive waves of COVID-19 caught the country by shock rendering employees helpless as they battled and struggled to take care of themselves and their families, while coping with work parallely. During this time, many companies extended help at an unprecedented pace. While personal networks remain a key crowdsourcing element for resources, companies have come up with a slew of initiatives to be there for their employees and their families. 

• Special sick leaves: The delirium associated with rising cases of COVID-19 compelled many companies to roll out special leave policies to safeguard their employees’ well-being. Many employers offered 14 days special sick leave for employees  to recuperate and recover. Many organizations have also rolled out vaccination leave policies as well, wherein employees can avail two days leave after getting their vaccination jabs.
• Setting up Medical helplines: In lieu of increased demand for medical assistance, corporates rushed to put in place COVID-19 helplines offering employees direct access to doctors and medical practitioners, medicines, medical equipment and nursing care etc. In addition, companies also provided helplines for emotional support during these overwhelming times.
• Setting up Isolation Centres: Apart from providing medical helplines, companies also converted their office spaces into isolation centres for employees and their kins. For example – HDFC Bank converted its training centres in Gurugram, Bhubaneswar and Pune into isolation facilities for its Covid-affected employees.
• Vaccination camps/Testing camps: During the first and second wave when the country’s health infrastructure was overburdened and it was difficult to find a test centre or a vaccination centre, many companies opened their gates for the same. Many organizations have stepped out and introduced testing camps/drive-thru and vaccination camps for their employees.
• Providing Financial Aids: Financial aid has been an issue that many dealt with during the lockdowns. Many organizations offered financial aid to their employees to safeguard them. From increasing the insurance cover for hospitalization, providing financial assistance to employee’s families strained by the pandemic and covering the cost of vaccination, and giving advance salaries, companies are taking steps to provide safety security net to its employees and their kins. 

As India undergoes a critical phase during the pandemic, such efforts by India Inc. is necessary to increase employee experience. During these testing times, India Inc. has stood its ground and has fared good in the ultimate test of good corporate citizenship.