In July, August, and September 2021, Ho Chi Minh City suffered from severe difficulties and challenges when the entire workforce had to stay at home and were not allowed to leave their place of residence as a prevention measure against the pandemic of the nation in general and the City in particular. Not only the unemployed but also the employed ones were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a survey by The Private Sector Development Research Board (IV Board) under the Prime Minister’s Advisory Council for Administrative Procedure Reform, nearly 19% of the respondents experienced a 50% pay cut. Out of 26,378 currently-employed respondents, 42% had to work entirely online, almost 29% carried out a hybrid type that requires 50% remote working and 50% on-site working, and about 15% said they still worked at their office. Among employed workers, only 7% work under the “3-on-the-spot” measure. – VNA sources.
Embedding humanity and compassion in its corporate philosophy, in the process of empowering employees to overcome both physical and mental difficulties, Phat Dat Real Estate Development Corporation (HoSE: PDR) determined not to cut down salary. Even the employees who were unable to work online and had to stay home, such as front desk staff, guards, couriers, etc., were paid in full during the outbreak.
While many businesses struggled to overcome the Covid-19 epidemic and imposed pay cuts to reduce operating costs, this has never been an option for PDR. In May 2021, Ho Chi Minh City entered a stressful peak of the fourth outbreak. Phat Dat promptly and successfully implemented vaccination registration for more than 300 (or 100%) employees. All expenses are deductible from the Company Welfare Fund.
In its resolve to operate as planned while ensuring stable employee’s lives, Phat Dat paid 100% salary for all employees. The infected employees undergoing treatment or self-quarantine were also entitled to remuneration and supports for treatment cost. Besides, Phat Dat established a Covid-19 Prevention Support Group to provide timely support to infected employees in difficult circumstances.
Among PDR staff, it is the gratitude that they all felt for the deep concern of the Company and the Leadership. They are touched and proud to be a member – an integral part of the Phat Dat Group family.
At some project sites of Phat Dat Group, such as Binh Duong, Nhon Hoi, Cam Ranh, Hoi An, etc., the Project Management Board cooperated with local authorities to apply the “3-on-the-site” measure for safety precaution. The Company carried out all expenses.
In order to encourage employees and leverage their spirit during social distancing, the Company regularly held online meetings with the Leadership. This is also a unique cultural feature of Phat Dat when an employee is given the opportunity to meet and interact with the top management. With the goal of “no one being left behind,” all members shared and encouraged each other to complete the work and accompany the Company to overcome the difficult period.
These recent activities demonstrate that Phat Dat has always consistently implemented its cultural standards: caring, helping, and cherishing one another as a family, connecting and committing to the Company, and then sharing the success.
According to the Company’s Leadership, “the epidemic has brought about the most unforgettable challenges so far; we have had a lot of lessons and especially gained the trust of employees.” The Company confirmed that business operations have resumed normally, and 50% of qualified employees have officially returned to the office as of 4th October. At the same time, the Company monitors and requires employees to comply with the government’s regulations on disease prevention (rotational testing, 5K measures, ensured proper distance in the workplace, etc.)
Indeed, with a series of flexible activities rich in humanitarian values, Phat Dat has displayed the true spirit of a leading enterprise. In such a setting, Phat Dat finds these challenges the driving force to improve governance capacity and the ability to respond to market fluctuations, implement the digital transformation, and develop the workforce towards sustainability.
