#FightBackCorona: Contribute to re-starting the economy in your own way: Rajeev Yadav

These are extraordinary times and we all are in uncharted territory. There is a lot of fear and negativity in all spheres due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. While the Corona Warriors are doing a tremendous job fighting from the frontlines, we at Adgully are embarking on an endeavour to highlight the positive developments during these challenging times.

Adgully is featuring a series of brief interactions with industry leaders in India and find out how they are keeping their spirits up as well as keeping their employees motivated, also how they are joining in the fight against the adverse impact of the global pandemic.

Rajeev Yadav, MD & CEO, Fincare Small Finance Bank, speaks about the various measures taken by his organisation to keep the operations going during this time of crisis. Being part of the ‘essential services’, Fincare Small Finance Bank has been working right through the lockdown period.

What steps are you and your organisation taking to help the society at large or those engaged in the war against COVID-19?
These are unprecedented times and we are all caught unawares as a race on many counts. On one side, there is a wave of negativity, fear and chaos with respect to the pandemic, which has engulfed a large part of the world. On the other, display of hope, resilience and empathy is making the world sit up and take notice.

At Fincare Small Fincare Bank, we work in the space of improving financial well-being of our clients in rural and semi-urban India and we are committed to working with double enthusiasm and energy in helping our clients keep their livelihood going despite the challenges with a positive mind set. We are also keeping our employees motivated during these difficult occasions.

Firstly, given that we are part of the ‘essential services’, we have ensured that our banking services remain operational in this period. Our on-ground staff have gone the extra mile to ensure that citizens get access to the Bank through branches, ATM, call center and the digital channels. Despite the lockdown, the Bank launched its WhatsApp Banking feature along with a conversational BOT to provide easy access to its customers.

Our staff, much like other essential service workers, working at our outlets have done so by following all the norms, such as, donning masks, maintaining social distancing, sanitizing, etc., to help prevent the spread of the virus.

As a responsible corporate citizen, we have issued multiple educational posters for reference of clients, especially in the area of cyber security, avoiding online frauds, etc., which have risen in this period.

As per directive from the RBI, the Bank has extended moratorium for our micro-loans customers and has also given the option to non-micro-loans customers.

As an organisation, we have also contributed to the PM Cares Fund, with the contribution from 7,000+ workforce – a small gesture towards the fight against COVID-19.

How are you keeping your employees motivated and are encouraging them to give their best, even as they are working from home?
The workforce in the field normally does not get enough time to upgrade their skills and knowledge. However, the current lockdown is an incredible opportunity to do that. The bank has been using different formats to engage employees in different ways and keep them motivated. A series of E-learning courses, video-based training and quizzes have been introduced on several topical areas. Special groups have been created for sharing books and reading material summary, recipes for nutrition and tips on dealing with anxiety and being positive. Fitness is also being used to keep the downtime employees motivated. Various fitness activities and sessions are streamed and shared with all the employees every day. There are interesting rewards and recognition for the ‘top achievers’ of the day.

While the branch staff continue to battle it out and keep the outlets open, staff at our administrative offices have been advised to work from home in this phase. Here, the focus is on finding innovative ways to engage with the team to maintain their high spirits as well as productivity levels.  All managers are in touch with their teams through Blue Jeans/ calls, advising them about the do’s and don’ts to keep safe.

As a pro-active measure, the Bank released the salary for the month of March 2020, five days in advance. Staff members who were unable to reach their home town due to the lockdown, were provided accommodation and food at a nearby residential facility of the Bank.

Leadership personnel are proactively responding to any questions and allaying any concerns that team members may have. A ‘Chat with CEO’ session was conducted to answer all queries and concerns from the entire workforce and it was very well received.

In the present scenario, one’s mental and emotional is likely to be impacted. While inner resilience and support of friends and family is the best coping mechanism, at times speaking to a professional can be helpful. The Bank has tied up with an agency for counselling services for its workforce.

What is most needed in challenging times such as these:
(a) From the general public:

  • Stay Indoors
  • Avoid Mass gatherings – go out only if essential
  • Stay positive and stay energised
  • Keep yourself informed but do not follow every news on the pandemic
  • Strictly follow the government’s directives at all times

(b) From the authorities:

Clear communication and approach to avoid any confusion and panic. Ensure availability of essentials, especially for the poorer sections.

(c) From business leaders:

  • Balance the priorities of saving business and saving jobs
  • Be ingenious in servicing existing clients and acquiring new ones
  • Contribute to re-starting the economy in your own way
  • Adopt digital in a big way – it is the future that has arrived!

Also Read:

#FightBackCorona: Businesses need to empathise & communicate clearly: Rohan Mehta

#FightBackCorona: Start planning for recovery - Nikhil Dey

Media
@adgully

News in the domain of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Business of Entertainment

More in Media