CSR projects and other support during COVID-19
Singapore government is giving many businesses various support during this crisis, but there are still a lot of gaps in the system, and many people are still struggling to make ends meet.
Singapore government is giving many businesses various support during this crisis, but there are still a lot of gaps in the system, and many people are still struggling to make ends meet.
The COVID-19 crisis has affected many different businesses and our lives may never be the same for a long time. Some businesses have failed, many lost their jobs. For F&B outlets, social distancing rules reduce seating capacities and enforce strict guidelines. Although there are subsidies and solutions provided by the government in the form of grants, the process for applying such grants is not so simple.
In a post COVID-19 world, many things have changed. The reshuffle and new normal caused a lot of new problems and a lot of uncertainties. Many people are out of jobs and the market does not look good. There are many who face financial hardships and obviously some winners and some losers in the community.
Read MoreWe are still in a crisis, but why did the support to frontline workers end?
It is heartening to see many Singaporeans outraged when they see the plight of the foreign workers in Singapore. Poor unsanitary living conditions and tightly packed dormitories has created a health crisis in Singapore with more than 10,000 foreign workers infected with COVID-19.
Many companies are still focused on sales and want to implement processes to continue business as normal. Some companies that can continue to run during this period are still focused on profits.
Corporate Social Responsibility or CSR is not fit for purpose, and we need something better to hold corporations to account for their social and environmental impact. Business is business — If there is a conflict between maximizing shareholder value and an environmental or social impact, the bottom line will win out in this model.
During COVID-19, we have seen air pollution get reduced, water ways clean up and fishes returning to many areas like Venice.
Helping others may give you purpose and you may find meaning from it. It is a fundamental part of humanity. But do you think it is possible to over do things? Does “over-helping” exist?
Many companies think that only large corporations can engage in CSR, and CSR costs a lot of money. On the contrary, many social enterprises are thriving in Singapore, and all they practice is sustainability and inclusivity.
Panic, shutdown, confusion and misinformation, how brands can communicate effectively and ethically in this time of crisis.
Read MoreCorporate Communications during the COVID-19 Outbreak