Battling COVID-19 with care, safety and compassion

After a few months of respite with the ‘unlock’ phase that followed the outbreak of the global COVID-19 pandemic, just as life, business and economy were looking up, India has been struck by a second wave of rising cases. As lockdowns and curfews ensue across various locations in the country, logistics services providers like Allcargo Logistics and Gati-KWE are doing everything it takes to manage customers’ cargo and the health and safety of their frontline COVID-Warriors.

Logistics forms a part of essential services. Entities across the ecosystem including ports, freight forwarders, integrated global logistics players like Allcargo, India’s premier surface and air express logistics companies like Gati-KWE along with numerous others, are working hard round-the-clock, to ensure minimal hindrances to demand and supply of essential goods, products, healthcare supplies and pharmaceuticals. They’re all out there, so the rest of us can stay home and stay safe.

It’s not an easy feat, but what works wonders is an approach of collaborating, joining forces, taking care of one another and following all safety measures with zero compromise, at offices and facilities.

Putting people first, always

For global logistics organizations like Allcargo Logistics and Gati-KWE, their team members are the biggest assets. It is only when they innovate, reinvent and find ingenious solutions that customers are reassured of reliable services. To take care of employees, these companies have a separate ‘COVID Assistance’ team that connects regularly to monitor the situation and support teams as needed.

Whether an employee needs hospitalization, or self-quarantine facilities, or oxygen cylinders and concentrators, the team has an updated repository of information and contacts, to provide the requisite assistance. During times of ill-health and uncertainty such proactive action proves to be a huge relief. Allcargo and Gati-KWE have also been encouraging their eligible personnel to get vaccinated and protect themselves by helping coordination and offering reimbursements where needed.

COVID-19 takes a toll not just on physical health, but also on mental well-being. Negative news in social media and newspapers, stress while caring for family members and loved ones, not being able to go out or meet and interact with friends and colleagues can lead to anxiety or depression. Prudent organizations know and understand the need to offer medical consultation and counselling facilities to their team members.

Allcargo and Gati-KWE have been able to ensure that they take care of their COVID Warriors serving on the frontlines at Container Freight Stations (CFS), warehouses, operating units and numerous offices and facilities by organising several engagement activities, workshops, trainings and team-building sessions.

Maintaining safety – every time, everywhere

As state and central governments issue a number of restrictions to contain the spread of COVID-19, essential services that are still operational need to do so with additional precautions and care.

Leading logistics organizations like Allcargo and Gati-KWE that have always been renowned for their commitment to safety are leaving no stone unturned in making sure their premises, warehouses and facilities are completely safe. Not just that, their purview of COVID-19 care, awareness and safety training also extends to all the equipment operators, handlers, labourers, drivers working to keep customers’ cargo moving as also staff members, customers and other stakeholders visiting and entering the premises.

Operations have been modified and optimized to adhere to social distancing requirements and work with minimal staff on-site. Sanitization and disinfection of facilities including common areas and those visited frequently by outsiders is carried out at regular intervals.

Oxygen and temperature checks are mandatory for all staff members and visitors. Additionally, those joining after a period of leave or a break are required to provide a negative RT-PCR test report. Armed with double-masks, sanitizers and strict vigilance, superheroes on the frontlines strive to complete deliveries as per timelines committed to customers, and do so in a safe, secure manner.

Digital tools and technology – an added advantage

Considering that social distancing is the most effective way to prevent COVID-19, organizations across industries are enabling teams to work remotely to the maximum extent possible. Even at Allcargo and Gati-KWE, teams are adopting digital tools and technology to not only collaborate internally, but also add to the convenience of customers, by making it possible to complete key steps in their global and nationwide cargo movements, online.

At warehouses and operating units, the digital transformation is being leveraged by integrating technology like voice picking and ring scanners to empower human capital, thus enhancing productivity as well as safety.

The spirit of humanity shines through

It is when times are toughest, that the temptation to think only of oneself is strongest. And it is exactly these times that call on individuals, organizations and communities to be inclusive, selfless and empathetic.

Allcargo recently sponsored the logistics and transportation by air from Singapore to Mumbai, for 500 oxygen concentrators donated by the TEMASEK Foundation to the Maharashtra government amid the second COVID-19 wave.

With COVID-19 disrupting the livelihoods of many migrant labourers and leaving many in the lurch with lack of financial capabilities to seek treatment or medication, Allcargo and Gati-KWE have truly stepped up and abided by their core value of ‘Care for Environment and Society’. Many initiatives have been carried out along with partner NGOs to help those less fortunate with food, medical aid and more.

Conclusion

In these challenging circumstances, it is the will to keep up the positive spirit and work with an objective to emerge stronger, together that makes it possible for doubts and fears to be replaced with courage and confidence.