The Covid-19 pandemic has brought about significant, and possibly lasting, changes in the way we live and work. For the industry, the focus has been on providing conditions that are both safe and conducive to work productivity.
The Mekotex group of companies employs over 4,000 skilled personnel, working at 8 different sites across multiple cities. When news of the outbreak was first reported in Pakistan, the company took steps to ensure the working environment was in line with the needs of the emerging situation, and they were implemented with immediate effect.
Employees in the vulnerable age bracket (60 years of age and above), as well as those with pre- existing medical conditions, were asked to remain at home. Surgical masks for employee use were purchased and also manufactured in-house, while hand sanitizers were placed at all workstations and points of activity. Social distancing measures were implemented in all working areas, including cubicles, shared offices, conference rooms and common spaces. Departments with a large number of employees created rotating shifts for staff to come in at alternative timings in order to avoid crowding. Distancing of atleast 4 feet was required to be observed in queues at all times.
Over the next several days, additional measures were taken, and all are strictly observed to date. Areas such as mosques and canteens have marked spaces where individuals are permitted to sit or stand; in the former, carpets have been replaced with bamboo matting to ensure better cleanliness. All utensils, cutlery, crockery and glassware in kitchens are properly disinfected after each use; however, employees are also strongly encouraged to bring their own instruments for meals or use the disposable ones provided on site. Disinfectant is used in regular cleaning of all factory and office premises, and floors are disinfected after every shift.
The wheels of all vehicles entering company property anywhere are washed prior to being admitted. Disinfectant gates have been installed at factory entryways, and all entrants are subject to temperature checks prior to gaining access. Visitors to all premises have been disallowed until further notice; where an exception is absolutely necessary, the visitor is required to comply with the same SoPs being observed by employees. Panaflexes or other forms of written notice advising employees of sanitary practices, in all local languages, are in place. In addition, regular trainings are conducted to sensitize employees about the significance of the situation as well as the importance of complying with the measures being taken.
The socio-economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic has been severe. Individuals and companies, large and small businesses alike, have all had to face an unprecedented situation, and many companies have had to make difficult decisions as a result of the global lockdowns. Mekotex has been no exception in this regard. However, our sense of duty and loyalty to the men and women that work for us has consistently taken precedence over financial considerations.
No employee has been made redundant as a result of the conditions created by the pandemic. Moreover, all employees, including those required to stay at or work from home, are being paid their salaries in full, in order to ensure that no individual is left in an untenable situation at this challenging time. Ration support is also extended regularly to those employees in need.
In collaboration with social workers, we have provided rations for daily wage earners in the slum areas around our premises in the industrial districts, aiding 500 families. Mekotex has also donated 7 non-invasive ventilators to various hospitals in Karachi, in addition to contributing towards the Prime Minister's Covid-19 Pandemic Relief Fund.
In addition to keeping a strict eye out for ensuring compliance with SoPs, vigilance is consistently maintained to identify anyone suffering or believed to be suffering from infection. Any employees who test positive for Covid-19 go immediately into quarantine, or seek treatment as required, and the company maintains communication throughout to provide any assistance needed. Mekotex has taken pains to ensure insurance cover is provided for this purpose as well. Until fully recovered, employees are not permitted to return to the office, and may work from home only if their health permits. It must be mentioned that as a result of the pandemic, Mekotex has also lost more than one employee. While the loss of any team member cannot be filled, we have taken what measures we can to ensure our support to the affected families.
In uncertain times, such as the one we are currently experiencing, it is by supporting each other that we will be able to pull through. Mekotex continues to believe in this approach, and retains full faith in its employees.
MUHAMMAD KHALID MAJEED CEO, MEKOTEX PVT LTD
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