IF you have a business, your immediate concern during the time of Covid-19 is, of course, to survive and continue operations. You are probably investing in setting up safety precautions for employees who must report to work physically, and installing policies for work-from-home workers.
I came upon an interesting idea from WE Forum about Al-Dabbagh Group’s business ecosystem called omnipreneurship, which rests on three principles: Giving, earning and sustaining. It is ADG’s response to the crisis and their way of contributing toward building a better world as everyone tries to bounce back from the effects of this disaster.
Because of the pandemic, businesses are being encouraged to not only look after themselves but to consider the impact of their operations on the communities in which they operate. Part of the long-term planning that many companies are doing now is crisis-proofing their operations so that when something like this happens again—which a lot of experts say is a possibility—the economic and social effects will not be as devastating.
Following ADG’s example of offering free courses to NGOs and social sector workers, businesses may also offer free content that will help organizations and individuals overcome Covid-related challenges. Aligned with this, business can also share positive messages like helpful videos, positive or feel-good campaigns to inspire the public, and even special offers for frontliners.
As a more active intervention, efforts that support the local communities where businesses are located are also being encouraged. ADG’s retail stores, for example, assembled food baskets for thousands of vulnerable families. A store chain offered unlimited free beverage for frontliners. Some real estate businesses are offering spaces to be used as quarantine sites or testing areas.
In the Philippines, many of us are still into discriminating frontliners. I hope such incidents disappear totally and that more people realize we should be supporting and celebrating them, instead of fearing and marginalizing the people we call heroes. Certain businesses can take up the cause and lead the way towards the eradication of this mentality.
People, the private sector, are starting to realize that government’s help is limited and that hope really lies in working amongst themselves and partnering with the public sector to address this huge crisis. The pandemic highlights the importance of cooperation and every entity—individuals, businesses, organizations, etc.—has an important role to play. Everyone must contribute, no matter how small.
On another note, UpLink has launched a global search for innovative solutions to the challenges arising from the global pandemic. Ideas from innovators, entrepreneurs and changemakers will be accepted until July 12, 2020. At least 15 solutions will be chosen and presented at the World Economic Forum’s Sustainable Development Impact Summit in September. Visit www.uplink.weforum.org for more details.