Pandemics aren’t occurrences we anticipate. That explains why in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries were caught unawares.
Employers and thought leaders had to take the initiative to protect the people they were responsible for. With over 90 million cases of the virus, countries and organizations are adopting the safest approaches to work, study, and daily life.
The case is not different at F.H. Cann and Associates Inc., only that the firm is taking safety measures two steps ahead of contemporaries. By employing advanced technology procedures to reduce the risk of the COVID-19 to its employees, F.H. Cann and Associates Inc. prove they are not only customer-focused but cater to the interests of their large workforce.
We decided to hear directly from the firm’s stakeholders. In our brief chat, they discuss their general response to the pandemic. They also highlight how vital advanced technology is in their risk avoidance for their employees.
What was F.H. Cann and Associates Inc.’s reaction to the outbreak to the pandemic?
Just like everyone else, we underestimated the possibility of a massive spread. Coupled with conflicting reports from health agencies, we were left at crossroads.
However, when we assessed the extent of the virus, we immediately adopted shifts to reduce the number of employees present in our structures daily. We later switched entirely to remote work after lockdown orders and trained our staff through informative content on our website.
How did you plan out remote work in such a short period?
It was a strategic decision by the management a few weeks before the government introduced lockdown orders. We were able to prepare ahead. We consulted with employees on the best methods, and we began to put up all the necessary structures.
How are you reducing the risks of COVID-19 to your employees?
Asides remote work, we adopt advanced technology measures. Smart thermometers were the first point of call. It became easier to detect significant temperature changes in many employees and advise stay-at-home measures.
We also had our employees install health sensor software that could detect contact with infected persons. They helped people in risk zones isolate faster, leading to fewer complications. We also adopted some robotic technology and drones to perform tasks that required human contact within and outside the firm.
How effective have your advanced technology measures been?
They’ve been very effective. We’ve recorded minimal cases at the firm. Fair enough we’ve maintained these measures even after lockdown orders were called off.
We’ve also maintained our remote work structures while ensuring workers on site do not face risks. Notably, these measures have not affected the effectiveness of our service delivery in any way. And we are doing all the necessary steps to be post-pandemic ready.
Do you have plans to adopt any other measures, given a second wave and vaccination?
Well, we hope to gain a more comprehensive database of all our employees and their remote locations. We hope to confirm the availability of vaccines to them. We also consider greater artificial intelligence measures to cater to our growing employee base.
