Devan Moonsamy

As South Africans adjust to level 4 of the nationwide lockdown, we have seen scores of people embrace the small opening of normal. People have hit the ground running as jogging has been allowed again and retail stores have also been permitted to operate selling essential winter gear. South Africans were extremely excited as well, when the delivery of food from their favourite local restaurants being permitted during this level of the lockdown.

At the same time, some industries have also opened their doors under strict regulations in line with the requirements of level 4. This is good news for the many who have been under pressure with concern over a salary for the month of May. The fact that they will be able to go to work and do their day to day tasks gives many the relief that they will be able to keep their households running for this month.

But with the relief of being back behind the desk comes the danger of contracting the virus. From traveling in public transport to interacting with colleagues, the risk is everywhere. As much as employers are optimistic about their performance following the set back of the lockdown they have to be just as enthusiastic about the well being of their staff.

It is this time that must be used to sanitize and create healthy working environment. The onus is on the employer to provide sanitising stations to provide a low risk Covid-19 environment for employees.

How can I make the workplace low risk to the corona virus for my employees?

• Conduct a proper deep clean. This will entail either hiring a professional service or sourcing people who specialise in deep cleaning and sanitising to reduce the spread of germs.
• Initiate a check in system at the security gate. Purchase digital thermometers that would allow the security to check people’s temperatures before they get into the office.
• When staff enters the building ensure they are wearing their facemasks which should be provided by the employer.
• Each office should have hand sanitisers available. This becomes a must on each floor. It will help to prevent the spread of germs on frequently touched surfaces like the buttons on the elevator, door handles etc.
• Allow for those employees who can work from home to continue to do so. This will ensure you do not have an influx of people at the office.
• If it is possible, try and get a walk-through sanitizing booth. Many companies have initiated this. It provides a walk way that allows staff to be sanitized when entering and exiting the building.
• For employees, once you get home ensure you immediately step out of your work clothes and head into the shower before interacting with your family.

Following these steps does not guarantee that this will prevent the virus from spreading. But what this does allow is for us to be a lot more proactive and mindful on how germs spread. Try this approach and ensure your staff are safe this way they will be able to be productive and be thankful that you are putting their well being first.

Devan Moonsamy is the CEO of ICHAF Training Institute. ICHAF offers SETA-approved training in business skills, computer use, and soft skills. Devan specialises in conflict and diversity management, and regularly conducts seminars on these issues for corporates. To book a seminar with Devan or for other training courses, please use the contact details below.

Tel: 011 262 2461 | Email: devan@ichaftraining.co.za | Website: ichaftraining.co.za | devan-moonsamy.com

Devan Moonsamy 

For many South Africans, the figure that will be the salary for this month is a concern. There are a number of concerns about the UIF processes as well as concern over whether or not paying certain debts will result in a negative for their record. 

Since the extension to the lockdown we also note how each day the number of increases of those infected by the virus as well as the number of deaths. 

It is foolish for us to be saying that people should have savings which they should use for this period. The reality is that if individuals were to have savings for a situation like this then should we not be pointing fingers at businesses saying they too, should be having savings stashed aside to aid them in a time like this. 

It is absolutely difficult to make a financial statement about someone’s situation without knowing exactly what they have in their pockets. It is impossible to know what they spend their money on. 

Some of our employees have kids, others have elderly parents that they are taking care of and we even have many who are the sole bread winners in their home. It is almost impossible to decide who gets a full salary and who will a salary based on their needs. 

We also need to understand the following.  In South Africa the labour legislation applies. The 2 most important in this instance are the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (75 of 1997,as amended) and the Labour Relations Act (66 of 1995, as amended). 

Wage is dependent on the number of hours worked. It means the amount of money that is payable to an employee for the hours they work in a day or week. Wage is given in return for hours worked. 

This means if an employee has worked, they will be paid. But we understand with the lock down that might not be possible. 

But there has been a request made from the Department of employment and Labour for employers to consider paying employees on lockdown. The suggestion is also for them to try to make up the difference from the UIF.  

In the coming few days payroll will be running’s it’s list for salaries. How will this be affecting the employees? What should they do if there is a shocking decrease in our expected income? 

First and most important would be communication. Contact your manager to understand what will the salary be like should you have concerns. Communicating with your manager will allow you to decide what the company plan of action is and how you can budget to keep your home running during the month of May. 

As employees it is also important to acknowledge that the outbreak is no one’s fault. We should not blame our employers as this is not within their control. If we have to take a knock in our salary for this month it is due to the circumstances that are not in our control.

That being said it is important to prioritise your budget. Weigh in on the essential payments. School fees is important even though the children are not in school at the moment. Groceries are a priority. Water, electricity and rent are crucial payments ensure those are covered.

This might be an extremely stressful time for South Africans but let us be grateful that we are home and safe with our loved ones and not out daily risking our health. Financially it may take us time to recover. But have faith that this too shall pass.

Devan Moonsamy is the CEO of ICHAF Training Institute. ICHAF offers SETA-approved training in business skills, computer use, and soft skills. Devan specialises in conflict and diversity management, and regularly conducts seminars on these issues for corporates. To book a seminar with Devan or for other training courses, please use the contact details below.

Tel: 011 262 2461 | Email: devan@ichaftraining.co.za | Website: ichaftraining.co.za | devan-moonsamy.com

Devan Moonsamy

What would have been a countdown this week of the end to our initial lockdown, resulted in an extension when President Cyril Ramaphosa indicated that South Africans stay home longer to ensure we make stride in flattening the curve.

As much as experts have weighed in and indicated the financial repercussions this will have on the economy, we have to admire the Presidents vision of putting the health of its people first.

At the same time, April is Freedom Month in South Africa. The 27^th of April marks Freedom Day that commemorates the first democratic post-apartheid non-racial elections. The elections were held on the 27^th of April in the year 1994 and it was the election that saw Nelson Mandela elected as the first democratic President of South Africa.

Now as much as the day is set aside to celebrate Freedom in South Africa, the month is dedicated to highlight the end of the period of colonialism and apartheid in South Africa. However, amidst the lock down freedom might not be a feeling South Africans feel connected to.

The freedom of walking your dog, going to the store to buy alcohol or shopping with your best mates to having a meal at your favourite restaurant has not been allowed since the lockdown was put in place. These normalities that we are so familiar with might make you feel like your freedom has been taken away. But we have to acknowledge the reason this has been put in place is to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus which has claimed thousands of lives across the world.

Scrolling through social media there are still many South Africans taking to the keyboard expressing their dissatisfaction towards the lockdown. We have also seen a number of South Africans arrested for violating the regulations of the lockdown.

This is disheartening. By now we should understand that the only way to beat this set back is for us to step back. We need to adhere to the regulations and stay at home. Some might say this is an infringement of my freedom. But the reality is if we do not take the necessary precautionary steps and stay home, we might contact the disease and spread it to our loved ones.

So how can we feel the spirit of freedom month while being in a lockdown?

• Take an optimist’s approach. Look at the glass as half full. By doing this you are able to eradicate the feeling of frustration towards the lockdown. For example: you may not be able to leave you home to do non-essential things but this is ensuring you and your family are safe.

• Use this time to get creative with the family by building the spirit of patriotism. Look back at the struggle and how a number of South Africans fought hard to bring us to a free country.

• Our grandparents have a wealth of knowledge. If it is possible use this time to video call or voice call to engage them on some of their fond memories of a free South Africa.

• If this is not possible try getting the family together to watch movies about South Africa’s history.  

The feeling of Freedom in a time when it seems like we do not have freedom can only come from us. We are the only ones who can steer our mindsets to see clearly as we wait out this lockdown. It is probably the hardest times to keep a positive mindset especially seeing that we are stressed about the salary for April as well as whether the food supplies will be enough. But we must remember that keeping a positive attitude will assist even those around us to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Let us not lose focus of the important month April is to us. Not just because there are so many long weekends, but because it signifies the time when the light at the end of the tunnel meant Freedom from apartheid for South Africans.

Devan Moonsamy is the CEO of ICHAF Training Institute. ICHAF offers SETA-approved training in business skills, computer use, and soft skills. Devan specialises in conflict and diversity management, and regularly conducts seminars on these issues for corporates. To book a seminar with Devan or for other training courses, please use the contact details below.

Tel: 011 262 2461 | Email: devan@ichaftraining.co.za | Website: ichaftraining.co.za | devan-moonsamy.com

Devan Moonsamy

We are at the start of a new week and lockdown is still our new normal. This week would have been hyped with items signifying the Easter period. It would have also been the first long weekend since December. This would have been a much-needed break from the first quarter of the work year however we have been experiencing a break since the lockdown kicked in.

That being said, Easter will not be the same this year. Infact most religious bodies have expressed their heartbreak as the places of worship were forced to close their doors during the time of the lockdown.

As much as we accept and understand the need for this, we can’t help but worry about those devoted souls who require this time in the house of God as a means of calm amid the chaos. At the same time this lockdown has anxiety levels on over drive.

The uncertainty of what will happen after the lockdown, then there is the stress of April’s salary being enough to cover the debit orders and the tension of whether I have to take annual leave to make up for the time of loss of work during the lockdown.

These thoughts are overwhelming and in the time of the lockdown they can creep up on you and throw you off your calm game. If you are the sole breadwinner of the family then this feeling of depression and anxiety is natural. Unfortunately, they often go undiagnosed and untreated because even in 2020 we still have a stigma around mental health issues.

The sad reality is that even though you are feeling overwhelmed you have to keep it at bay to ensure the rest of the home does not feel their captain losing vision as the journey gets rocky ahead. But it is a lot worse for those who are already silently suffering from depression.

Doctors say those already suffering from depression and anxiety are the worst hit. “Too much outburst of information about Covid-19 is creating widespread panic. Everything being fed is negative that is further increasing anxiety. Even if a person sneezes or coughs, he thinks that he has coronavirus symptoms and he is going to die. Mass hysteria is creating panic,” said Dr Rajiv Mehta, Vice Chairperson, Institute of Psychiatry and Behavioural Science, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. “Infected persons or suspects think quarantine facility is a jail. This is impacting their mental health. There is also a fear of social stigma,” he said.

How to maintain anxiety and stress during the lockdown?

• Have a routine. As much as you can create a routine. Don’t allow yourself to lay in bed long after the alarm goes off. Get out of bed, take a shower and have breakfast with the family. A routine is extremely important. We use it with kids so why not keep one for ourselves.

• If you can, go out in nature. Step outside and breath in fresh, clean air. Allow your mind to identify the blessings on nature. Look around at the trees, listen to the birds and smell the freshness of nature. This will allow your mind to feel grounded. Recent research has found that spending time in nature boosts mental and physical health. Many studies also have found that time in green and blue space is associated with reduced anxiety and depression.

• Try to declutter your home. Identify things that you don’t need and get rid of it. It may not be possible to drive to a charity store to make a donation but keep it aside and do it once the lockdown is over. There are studies that show cleaning a home or decluttering a space can re-establish control. This is crucial especially in times when you feel uncertain.

• Meditate. Use the time in your day to practise breathing exercises. Research has also shown that most people who meditate show a reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety.

• Maintain a social connection. As much as possible engage with people that feed your soul with positivity. Use the time to video your call, skype or even just voice call a familiar person who makes you feel better. It is important to maintain these social connections as this keeps your mind active and does not allow you to trigger the anxiety.

For professional help with issues around mental health contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group on 011 234 4837

 Devan Moonsamy is the CEO of ICHAF Training Institute. ICHAF offers SETA-approved training in business skills, computer use, and soft skills. Devan specialises in conflict and diversity management, and regularly conducts seminars on these issues for corporates. To book a seminar with Devan or for other training courses, please use the contact details below.

Tel: 011 262 2461 | Email: devan@ichaftraining.co.za | Website: ichaftraining.co.za | devan-moonsamy.com

Devan Moonsamy

South Africa has been placed on lockdown by President Cyril Ramaphosa in a bid to flatten the curve as the number of people found positive with the coronavirus rises. We reported our first cases of lives being lost by the virus which has not just brought changes to South Africa, but to the rest of the world as well.

This period of being home has been difficult for many South Africans. We have seen defiance as people take to the streets and shops as if there is no lockdown. But we have to applaud the relentless work by our officials ensuring swift action against those not adhering to the lockdown regulations.

That being said companies who are not classified as essential services have also adhered to the lockdown regulations. That being said employees are home bound and under stress about their future at their company.

With the stress about what the salary for April will look like there is also concern about productivity. Many employees have opted to work from home. But for some the luxury of doing this is not possible.

Now whilst we have those that are able to assist customers and keep the wheel turning, there are also those that are not as fortunate.  But to the workaholics who have to work with tasks and to do list, the period of this lockdown can be stressful. Here are a few tips to survive the lockdown as a workaholic.

• Get locked into a schedule. As much as you are used to having back to back meetings and a large to do list, working from home can make you feel like you have less things that need to be done. By sticking to schedule you will work on you work anxiety.

• Create a to do list. The to do list may not be as detailed as one that you would have at the office but it should be enough to ensure the tasks that need your most urgent attention are completed.

• Check on your other colleagues. Skype them or use Zoom just to see how they are holding up. Speaking about deadlines and other work-related successes will assist you to feel more productive. Infact try having meetings to share ideas and discuss topics that would usually get into a debate at the office. This will help you and the team still feel connected.

• Try to use this time to do something to relax. Use this time to also focus on yourself. Meditate and exercise. This can help you focus your energy on something else. This will also help you to use this lockdown as a short sabbatical if you can.

• Working from home might also not keep you busy the entire day. In this time you could also subscribe to online courses. There are a number of sites online that offer short courses. You could visit Udemy to do a few online short courses. You could even contact your training provider to see if they are using online methods for training. At ICHAF training we are offering this option to our clients. This way you will be upskilling yourself and keeping the work anxiety at bay.

• Hit the reset button. Sometimes our to do lists and the need to always have our ducks in a row can be overwhelming. But if we just take some time to reset our system and life, we could be even more productive. We suggest realigning your thoughts to not stress about work but rather focus on your wellbeing.

Devan Moonsamy is the CEO of ICHAF Training Institute. ICHAF offers SETA-approved training in business skills, computer use, and soft skills. Devan specialises in conflict and diversity management, and regularly conducts seminars on these issues for corporates. To book a seminar with Devan or for other training courses, please use the contact details below.

Tel: 011 262 2461 | Email: devan@ichaftraining.co.za | Website: ichaftraining.co.za | devan-moonsamy.com