These extraordinary times provide business owners the perfect opportunity to show their decency and humanity.
Already, the threat of the novel coronavirus has upended our way of life, from the way we maintain distance from our loved ones and friends, the way we earn our living, even the way we ponder our mortality.
Businesses—some industries more than others—have seen their revenues plummet because of the diminished economic activity. Things certainly do not look good for their first quarter figures, and likely for the rest of the year. Already forecasts for the economy have been slashed; stocks have bled in the past few weeks.
Since the lockdown has immobilized the bulk of the working population, workers have worried about whether they would be able to maintain their earning capacity. Some are fortunate to have the option to work from the safety of their homes. Others, due to the nature of their jobs, simply do not have this luxury and must brave the checkpoints, the absence of public transportation, and the risk of contracting the virus. This, or risk seeing their family members go hungry.
Amid all this, we see pockets of good practice.
Some companies have assured their employees of their salaries and full benefits whether or not they are able to come to the office. Others have pledged to advance the 13th-month payments, usually disbursed in December, to help tide families through these difficult times. Those who are sick are provided medical assistance. Some executives have opted for a pay cut just to prevent the laying off of workers.
All these are provided despite the adverse financial environment. While some painful business decisions eventually have to be made, these business owners and executives show, first and foremost, that they care about their people and recognize their immeasurable contribution to the organization and commitment to the job.
To them, employees are more than names and numbers—they are human beings who, aside from performing their tasks, are also parents or children, are commuters or motorists, and who want to remain healthy and productive despite the threat of COVID-19 and other diseases.
We also commend establishments that have gone the extra step to suspend rental and bill payments, donate food and equipment to health care frontliners, manufacture much-needed goods and show that corporate social responsibility is best seen in action, not in empty declarations. Such good examples are needed in these bleak times.
The clout and influence provided by a successful organization is important. The bottom line is important. But genuine compassion —which in normal times should be a given, especially so in a crisis—is the real measure of a good and worthy leader.
