India is currently at war with the invisible enemy as the second wave of COVID-19 has upended people’s lives, where almost every one of us either needs help or know someone close who are seeking help - often desperately.
Desperate times call for desperate measures and Samsung R&D Institute India - Bangalore (SRI-B) has stepped up to alleviate people’s concerns and ensure their complete wellbeing.
Nobody is safe until we all are
With the idea of #HealthFirst and consciously monitoring self-wellbeing, SRI-Bians start their day by declaring their ‘daily health and wellness status’ on the Company mobile app. This year-old practice of keeping a check on Everyone, Everyday has helped SRI-B in extending timely support to colleagues.
A stitch in time saves nine, rather lives
COVID-19 doesn’t come alone, it carries with it a lot of anxiety, stress and uncertainty for the infected and families. To assuage these concerns, SRI-B protects people with a safety net and extends support in all possible ways.
Ritesh Jain, COVID Warrior from CX Team shared, “I had an attack of breathlessness when my Oxygen saturation dipped below 90. Within minutes, SRI-B booked a hospital bed for me. All admission formalities were done and I got immediate medical attention. I got amazing support all the way until discharge and even beyond.”
Corona Brigade team is the first contact point for employees seeking help, and they are always on their toes to arrange for medical resources and provide assistance.
Ramaprasad G of Biz Admin Team who was mildly symptomatic said, “I started tele-consultation with doctor, who advised me to take RT-PCR and a couple of other tests. Samples for lab tests were collected from home, and it was very convenient for me. When tested positive, I availed company-sponsored home care package, which included doctor consultation, daily monitoring by nurse and COVID Care kit. Timely and complete support provided by SRI-B helped me tide over this difficult phase without panic”.
Aditya Jhawar from OnDevice AI team expressed how deeply SRI-B cared for him in the absence of any help in the city, “I had to go for X-ray screening to hospital, but with lockdown imposed in Karnataka and no private vehicle to commute, SRI-B sent an ambulance so that I could travel safely. This 24/7 oxygen-equipped ambulance proved helpful for travelling from home to hospital. I was saved from getting exposed to infection risk, a possible threat if I had to use public transport or cab.”
Helping People Heal with Care & Support
As life doesn’t get any easier soon, SRI-B focusses on building a strong support for its people to remain resilient. COVID Care Centre is a great relief for people who have limitations in home isolation. These rooms are fully equipped with COVID medications, 24/7 nursing assistance & checking of vitals, oxygen supply, hospital back-up and ambulance in case of emergency.
“My father and I tested positive on the same day. We were mildly symptomatic, but my 56 year old father already suffered from cardiac problems and needed proper medical attention. COVID Care Centre support by SRI-B came to my father’s rescue where he is receiving timely medical help and hygienic food. I am availing 24/7 tele-consultation service and managing at home. Grateful to company for its end-to-end support!” said Ramesh Kumar L of Visual Intelligence Team. This facility is currently available in Bangalore, and SRI-B is working towards expanding it in Delhi and Hyderabad and other cities soon.
“Home Alone? Not really if you are an SRI-Bian”
Known as a house to youngsters who make up for more than 70% of SRI-B, Company took complete responsibility to take care of these individuals who are fighting the dual battle of loneliness and virus. Buying COVID essentials and managing daily meals were seemingly most common problems, so SRI-B gave kits with doctor recommended thought-out essentials.
Moved by the kind gesture, many affected individuals have expressed heartfelt gratitude for the care given to them. “It was really helpful for someone like me who lives alone and cooking a complete meal was a challenge. I am grateful for the kind support in these tough times”, shared Gaurav Jindal who is one of the newest members from the CTO Team.
SRI-B has also been inviting mental health counsellors and doctors for webinars to share credible information on self-care and give tips to deal with stress amidst pandemic. For those who wish to seek professional help can avail the Employee Assistance Program.
“Shot of Hope” on the Anvil
With comprehensive COVID support framework, SRI-B is optimistic about people’s health and recently announced support for vaccine ‘shot of hope’. The company plans to arrange for vaccination camps in office premise shortly and will sponsor the cost of vaccines for employees and their families.
Difficult times often bring people together and unlocks true strength. SRI-B family is a testament to this as they reaffirm their commitment to stand together and for each other. Volunteers have formed COVID War group who scramble to source the required health infrastructure for infected colleagues and their families. SRI-B continues to look at providing enhanced support and reassures that we shall overcome this with our motto of ALL TOGETHER, ALL FOR EACH OTHER.