Powering through

When it comes to limiting the spread of the virus, knowledge is an important antidote. With internal portals and channels, we make it a point to keep ourselves up-to-date and inoculated against misinformation. We have a COVID-19 microsite which contains a wealth of information – from professional development such as a digital leadership toolkit for leading in a crisis, and tech guidance for working offsite; to health information including how to reduce risk of infection through good personal and workplace hygiene, and taking care of our mental health.

“It’s essential for us to have the right information to deliver the right response. With the company’s channels of communications, it’s easier to stay informed on COVID-19’s developments and get everyone in sync to keep ourselves and those around us safe,” said Ben Gan, Marketing Director, Customer, Asia Pacific.

As early as early February 2020, we have been adopting precautionary measures and continually enhancing them. These include stricter visitor screening, regular temperature checks, split-team work arrangements, staggered breaks, social distancing, and interaction avoidance.

In the face of an evolving situation and disruptions, our team leaders and managers have been working together with team members to plan ahead. So far, this has allowed us to maintain continuity in our production operations with minimal on-site staffing, while the rest of us whose work are non-production related, continue to work from home.

Physical distancing does not mean we cannot stay connected. While we may not be able to meet in our offices, several teams have initiated creative ways to stay in touch and lift each other’s spirits. We have set up regular #WebExCoffeeBreaks to take breaks together virtually, unwind from daily work, and ensure we have a chance to interact. We also get to know each other better by sharing some elements of our personal lives as we chat from our homes.

“While the outbreak has disrupted our personal and professional lives, it’s heartening to see many of our co-workers coming together to help each other during this tough time. Simple things like checking in on one another and their loved ones and accommodating changes in the shift schedules go a long way in making this period easier to bear,” said Gennie Neo, Venturing & Incubation Lead, R² Data Labs.

In Singapore, before the “circuit breaker” measures came into effect in April, a group of us volunteered to distribute hand sanitisers – provided by Temasek Foundation -- to various communities. The aim was to distribute 500 ml of hand sanitiser to every household in the country.

Our volunteers helped in dispensing, bottling, and advising the residents on proper use of the hand sanitiser. One of the volunteers, Khairul Anwar Ishak, a production leader from the Singapore Service Centre, said, “This pandemic affects everyone, and it’s our responsibility to do our part to better the world.”

Another volunteer, Lim Li Khee, Manufacturing Engineer, External Supply Chain, Civil Aerospace, also shared her reason for volunteering: “It’s nice to go to the community centre to speak with other residents in my neighbourhood and make sure they are okay. I’ve also been reading up on how others have been helping, and I want to lend a hand as well.”