LETTER: It is essential that all parties understand and develop strategies for employees to continue working safely amid this pandemic.
From an industrial/organisational psychology perspective, the 3S approach is worth applying. They are:
Social distancing. As announced by the government, only some industries are allowed to operate during Conditional Movement Control Order but the social distancing rule must be strictly followed.
One way is via flexible working hours. Another option is to continue working from home. Have a skeletal workforce by assigning the smallest number of people needed to run the organisation.
Safety protocols. Social distancing alone is not enough to combat the virus. Organisations should have safety protocols not only on entry and exit, but also at the workplace.
Sanitiser, hand wash and soap must be available and used by employees during working hours.
Wearing face masks, conducting thermal scanning and sanitisation will be the new normal at workplaces.
In addition, there should be periodic work space sanitisation especially if employees work in shifts and share the same work space.
Support and training. Working from home, online meetings and information communication technology have to have strong employer support and skills training.
Organisations should also provide tools and equipment to employees to enable them to work virtually.
Suggestions and recommendations must come not only from experts, but also from employees to develop appropriate interventions.
All Malaysians must fight this pandemic battle together.
DR RUHAYA HUSSIN
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR,
KULLIYYAH OF ISLAMIC REVEALED KNOWLEDGE & HUMAN SCIENCES,
INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times