by Prompt Personnel | May 28, 2020 | Human Resources, Uncategorized
With the on-going battle against COVID-19, work from home has become a widely accepted work arrangement for most of us. However, as the lockdown restrictions are being lifted in certain parts of the country, and we hope to see some relaxations in other parts too, the doubts regarding going back to office are arising. Although the government is trying its best to impose safety guidelines, it eventually comes down to the precautions we consciously take when we go back to work. Here are a few things to keep in mind as we resume work after the lockdown –
- Observe Social Distancing
Avoiding gatherings has become the new mantra in today’s times. As you resume work, your natural instinct would be to gather in groups with your co-workers and catch up on all the lost time that was missed. But, safety overpowers it all. We also must ensure that social distancing is maintained even in the office premises.
- Maintain Hygiene
This should be a top priority for professionals for when they resume work. Sanitizing the surroundings and keeping yourself clean will definitely go a long way and is a requisite now. Maintaining cleanliness on your work desk and areas in the office, along with personal hygiene should be practiced on a daily basis. Sanitizing hands after using the toilet, and before and after meals must be strictly followed too.
- Protection Kit
Face masks, sanitizers, gloves, and wet wipes will now replace other essentials that you’d carry in the pre-COVID world. It is imperative to have your own sanitization kit, and it is all the more important to carry it everywhere, especially to work.
- Go Paperless
One sure-fire way to ensure your health when you commute to work is to rely on digital currency and make payments only via digital apps. Avoid the exchange of notes or actual paper as much as possible. This will ensure not just your safety but also the other person’s.
- Bring Your Own Food
There was a time when outside food was also a feasible lunch option. Now, however, to ensure your safety, you must only adhere to home-cooked food for lunch. That way, you will also be certain of the hygiene and quality of what you’re eating and who has handled your food prior to consuming it.
When we do resume offices properly, we hope that health and hygiene becomes a little more of a priority now than it was before. With these few considerations, things will resume normalcy very soon.
by Prompt Personnel | Apr 24, 2020 | Human Resources, Uncategorized
During this tough time where businesses are facing challenges; we thought it would be more helpful to gain some in-depth insights from the top management who are well-adept with the industries and work. With our new series on #PromptProductivity, we spoke with some key people in our organization, for a detailed chat on how current scenarios has impacted productivity levels. We had a talk with our Executive Director, Mrs. Monisha Basakhetre who heads Permanent Recruitment vertical at Prompt Personnel, to know her take on achieving productivity levels during Covid-19.
It is a tough time for the workforce of all levels, especially for you. How are you coping with this sudden, unprecedented challenge, in terms of managing work from home? How has the current situation impacted productivity levels in your department?
Yes, it is indeed a tough time, but tough times do not last; tough people do. And, I am sure this time too shall pass away As far as teams working in Prompt Personnel are concerned, as soon as it was announced that Pan India offices of Prompt Personnel shall start WFH there was preparedness from day one. I still remember the last day when we were winding up operations in office. Everyone was on their toes grabbing their dairies, papers, files, notes whatever they felt was important, no one knew what was coming in the next few days or what was work from home culture or for how many days would we be under lockdown. There was an air of excitement ,a beginning of something new and fear of the unknown . Dedicated Admin and IT team were working night and day to set up systems in individual homes, software, technology infrastructure and all that was needed to make work for employees as comfortable as possible. Loads of detailed planning went into this process every minute detail was checked with accuracy alertness and promptness, there were absolutely no compromises in any way by the management and the Task force.. The whole purpose was to make sure employees working from home had no difficulties whatsoever. Technology was a big game changer This surely helped for smooth transition of work from office to work from home.
How are you managing your employees and their work from home? How are you overcoming these challenges to ensure regular flow of work?
Work from home has been a new journey of mixed feelings for employees. It has been filled with excitement, fear of failing sometimes , uncertainties of deliverables, happiness in achievement of tasks . However, it has not been as difficult as it seemed. Teams were quick to adapt to their new work culture of WFM as their Reporting Managers and the Head of the department were in constant touch with them. They made sure to follow a structured format of daily con calls with MIS reports weekly, interactions through emails zoom calls to keep in touch with each other. An eagle eye on the workflow process, was maintained by Leaders clear communication with minute detailing of the work was done. at all times empathy and patience by the Leaders for some delays in work has all helped the teams to perform and work well productively. As a matter of fact, the teams have bonded well helping each other during these tough times .. I can proudly mention here that productivity and efficiency has gone up from the time we have started work from home.
How are you ensuring good performance despite the situation and work for clients?
We have made sure to be in touch with all our clients and customers through emails and con calls. Effective and Transparent Communication was adopted , persuasive methods of follow up calls and emails with clients and customers for feedback was followed diligently We spoke with empathy and gave a patient hearing to all concerned in the current situation …Technology and digitzation of processes kept up the morale and positivity of work from home for the teams ..Recruiters were told to show care and empathy while interacting with candidates looking for jobs, maintaining strong follow ups with both candidates and clients, Payroll Executives were asked to go that extra mile to help during payouts of salaries for our Temp associates . Sourcing strategies were discussed regularly during team con calls to ensure quick turnaround time and ensure genuine candidates are on board. Strong bonding handholding methodologies were discussed within the teams which has surely helped them to work and perform better.
What techniques are you implementing/implemented to ensure productivity and efficiency?
Speed and accuracy in communication have been implemented for better productivity. Also, transparency in all transactions has helped to build trust and camaraderie among team members. Daily updates on work performance has also helped in closing loose ends and ensure maximum productivity. Constant communication between Clients Leaders and team members through calls and emails has helped to keep up the productivity and morale of the employees.
What tip would you give to professionals out there and to top-level management to maintain productivity even in this situation?
“Change is the new constant.” It is always better to embrace new changes with a positive and open mind. Meticulous planning and discipline help to prepare for the way forward in the current uncertain situations we are facing today.
Empowering employees to complete their tasks, trust, and empathy in their work performances, constant mentoring, and guidance to them, as Leaders is very important.
Handholding with team bonding to bring effectiveness into work. Also, helping them organize work flow charts ,to do lists , prioritize work in a scheduled manner, so that they bring in discipline and positivity to their work schedules.
Mental , Physical , Emotional health and well being of employees has to be kept in mind by the Leaders of the company while re-framing policies and processes..
The pandemic has been an unprecedented situation for not just companies but also employees. What everyone needs at this point is to keep Trust transparent communication empathy and care for each other during these testing times ..These are a few of my thoughts to share with the Leaders and their teams in the industry..
by Prompt Personnel | Apr 15, 2020 | Human Resources, Uncategorized
During this tough time when businesses are facing challenges; we thought it’d be more helpful to gain some in-depth insights from the top management who are well-adept with their area of work. With our new series on #PromptProductivity, we are sitting down with some of the key people in our organisation, for a detailed chat on how to achieve productivity during unprecedented times like Covid-19. We had a talk with our GM – Business Operations & Automation, Mr Ali Khan to understand how he has tackled and managed work from home for his team, and here is what he says.
It is a tough time for the workforce of all levels, especially for you. How are you coping with this sudden, unprecedented challenge, in terms of managing work from home? How has the current situation impacted productivity levels in your department?
Work from home has always been an exciting concept for me, ever since I was first introduced to it in the early stage of my career. In this MNC, I finally got the opportunity to develop a Work from the Home arrangement. In my next career move, to an MNC Tech giant, I used to work from home quite often. So, adapting to this new working style did not pose any challenge.
The current COVID-19 pandemic situation has enforced the Business Continuity Plan. However, the productivity levels in my department remain unaffected. The biggest reason is the time that was earlier used up by commute is now being invested in adapting to the changing environment of work from home.
How are you managing your employees and their work from home? How are you overcoming these challenges to ensure a regular flow of work?
The Daily Pan India team conference call comes in handy in this situation. We started this practice in December last year, where all team members come together on a daily basis over a call and discuss what’s been done and what can be done next. To address any challenge, the Team WhatsApp group acts as a catalyst to attract required attention and thereby, getting the issue/challenges resolved. There are also regular guidelines shared on a new working style and ways to remain focused on the basic KRAs.
How are you ensuring good performance despite the situation and working for clients?
We have a couple of team output trackers, where each team member is mandated to update his daily output. The regular follow-ups and reviewing of these trackers keep us focused on continued performance.
What techniques are you implementing/implemented to ensure productivity and efficiency?
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- The idea of having a ‘shared team performance tracker’ helped maintain productivity and efficiency. Since they can see each other’s performance, team members do have a healthy competition amongst themselves to stand out.
The onboarding of associates happens majorly on Prompt Associate Mobile App and a few cases via Email. We can rightly term it as E-Onboarding where all joining documents are collected electronically and managed centrally by HO Onboarding TL.
- All the solutions that I implemented were pioneered with the thought of ‘ANYTIME-ANYWHERE’ approach. That is why I chose the ‘Cloud Based’ technological solutions. Be it Talent Recruit ATS, Mobile Attendance or Bulk SMS Service, all are cloud-based and can be accessed from anywhere at any point in time. During this pandemic, all these solutions are being tested to their core, firmly holding their ground and giving the desired output.
What tip would you give to professionals out there and to top-level management to maintain productivity even in this situation?
This Pandemic has changed EVERYTHING, even the way we think and operate! A LOT is going to change around the world in every industry, every country and economy with A LOT of lessons to be taken. Technology’s role has only doubled in the current scenario. I am in touch with my friends who are in the Tech world and have been listening to them that their activities have increased multi-folds. Be it the enablement of work from home or business continuity, everything has become possible due to the quick implementation of Technological solutions available in the market today. My advice to professionals out there and to top management would be to always have an appetite for ‘embracing technology’ and driving this culture from top to the bottom. At the same time, I also suggest having a dedicated Tech Budget; that would be an added advantage.
This has been an unprecedented situation for not just companies but also for employees. What everyone needs at this point is to keep communication clear and transparent while also considering other factors like any pain points of employees and their overall well-being
by Prompt Personnel | Apr 13, 2020 | Human Resources, Uncategorized
This time is sensitive and very delicate not just for our physical health but also the mental health of everyone globally at this point. Feelings of loneliness, helplessness, and anxiety may set in for some people and may trigger other mental health concerns. While everywhere we look, any media source we check, everything is only flashing news and information on the pandemic, there are ways we can maintain our peace and calm. Here are some ways you can keep your mental health in check.
Seek information from legitimate sources
You are bound to feel restless and curious regarding the status of the pandemic in the country and other updates. However, while the internet and other sources are brimming with news on it, it is wise to seek information only from legitimate sources.
Minimize your exposure to Covid-19 news
Every source may only be talking about the pandemic but it is suggested that you limit your exposure to any news on the situation and take a detox of sorts, so as to avoid feeling anxious or scared.
Maintain hope & positivity
Read positive stories on recoveries and environmental impact that this situation has brought. Fill yourself with hope and positivity. This will make this time pass smoothly and with zero mental health damages.
Extend support to the needy
Extend support for the needy during this time. Fill this time with blessings and feelings of gratitude. Consider charity or simply help your domestic workers, watchmen and other workers.
Practice self-care during this time
While you have the time and the opportunity, engage in activities, hobbies and physically, mentally and emotionally enriching engagements. Practice self-care and take care of yourself.
Stay in Touch with Friends and Family Digitally
You may not be able to be with your friends and family physically, but staying connected to them right now is easier than ever. Connect with them over phone calls and video calls and continue socializing.
Create a work schedule & devote free time
Create schedules, and allot set hours to work and to yourself. Have boundaries, try to keep work and personal time separate and not overlap them.
Talk about your Stress, fear or Anxiety with loved ones
Talk about what you’re feeling, confide in your loved ones and feel lighter. Reach out to people whom you’re comfortable with, talk it out and lesson your burden.
Although the situation may seem grim at this point, it will eventually get better and we all will come out stronger. Till then, maintain peace, calm, stay in and stay safe!
by Prompt Personnel | Apr 3, 2020 | Human Resources, Uncategorized
During this tough time where businesses are facing challenges; we thought it’d be more helpful to gain some in-depth insights from the top management who are well-adept with their area of work. With our new series on #PromptProductivity, we are sitting down with some of the most important people belonging in the managerial positions, for a detailed chat on the current scenarios. We had a talk with our VP – Staffing, Ms. Shirley Gokhlay to understand how she has tackled and managed work from home for her team, and here is what she says.
It is a tough time for the workforce of all levels, especially for you. How are you coping with this sudden, unprecedented challenge, in terms of managing work from home? How has the current situation impacted productivity levels in your department?
When the COVID 19 situation started to be recognised as a concern to the country, we as an organisation realised that we need to start working on a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) to keep as a contingency plan. So, in a span of 2 days, we had the entire plan of action chalked out for every department to ensure that each one of us in the organization would be able to work from home with minimal impact on efficiency & productivity. Advance Technology has also played a vital role in providing us the platform to enhance the BCP. Yes, it’s a tough time for the workforce to cope & adjust to various unprecedented challenges and slthough there was an initial teething issue, we are happy to see that most of our challenges could be ironed out within a week. Our employees are now more equipped to handle their work efficiently and there has been minimal to zero impact on productivity of work as of now.
How are you managing your employees and their work from home? How are you overcoming these challenges to ensure regular flow of work?
Work and employees are being managed & challenges are overcome with the following process in place:
- Creation of a WhatsApp Group where all employees can communicate and interact with each other.
- Conference call in the morning with key people of the team, Ops Sr. Manager & Key Account Managers to understand the daily actionable for the day.
- Access to information/data required by the employees for smooth functioning of daily operational activities.
- Addressing any immediate concerns by way of chat/call to reduce the turn-around time with a solution.
- Taking a stock of the situation and analysing if we were able to complete the day’s activity by the end of each day.
What techniques are you implementing/implemented to ensure productivity and efficiency?
Below are the techniques implemented to ensure productivity & efficiency prevails:
- Daily Mobile attendance
- Desktop / Laptops, Internet connection provided.
- Access to require data/ information / software.
- BCP plan communicated to all stakeholders to ensure smooth operations.
- E-on-boarding of new employees through the mobile app.
- Key people of each team/department’s regular discussion in the day to plan the day’s activities.
This has been an unprecedented situation for not just companies but also employees. What everyone needs at this point is to keep communication clear and transparent while also considering other factors like any pain points of employees and their overall well-being.
by Prompt Personnel | Mar 27, 2020 | Human Resources, Uncategorized
Although the idea of work from home isn’t novel to some people, it can topple the routines and productivity of others, who haven’t or cannot indulge in this trend. However, now with the countrywide lockdown in effect, everyone has been forced to adopt work from home. For those who aren’t used to delivering the same productivity and performance as that in an office, at home, this has been and may be difficult with multiple distractions, lack of a dedicated work station and environment. Here is how you can work from home the right way, without compromising on your performance and productivity.
Create a work friendly environment
Make yourself comfortable and rejuvenate well before you begin and set on a mission for the day. Create an environment that is conducive for you to work in. Dedicate a particular corner of the house to your work, include your planners and work to-dos in your work paraphernalia and set the mood to work in. Make a note of all things you have to do and tick them one by one.
Dedicate a set time slot
We may be relatively free from the regular 9-5 time slot as we take work home. But it is still crucial for us to set a particular time slot to work and adhere to it by all means. Use your time wise and bright and dedicate and don’t let laziness hamper with this set time.
Set boundaries with family
With every member of the family being home, there is bound to be maximum disturbance at home. While everyone is engaged in board-games, movies and other hobbies together in the living room, it can be difficult for you to focus. It is important that you set some rules down and draw boundaries with everyone. This is imperative for them to understand and allow that space to you when you are working.
Increase communication with you teammate
It is easy to be in the zone of your work at an office, where one can simply stroll their chair to their colleagues’ desk or just dial the desk code, in case of any help. The same cannot happen at home, and to maintain the efficiency of work, one needs to be connected with them. To facilitate this, you can engage in conference calls and video calls and keep the communication frequent.
Take frequent but small breaks
Although work continues and you need to dedicate more or less, the same hours to it, you don’t necessarily have to sit 9-5 in your chair. Take small but regular breaks, do a chore, engage in a hobby and relax for a minute.
Although this has been an unprecedented situation, professionals who aren’t adapted to a work from home pattern, will simply have to find ways to be productive at home too. It is definitely not as difficult as you might feel. With a few ways and techniques, one can work from home the right way and efficiently.
