HRI
talking tech
Leadership support is a non-negotiable It is imperative to find new ways of working while in the midst of a crisis, and to ensure that solutions endure in the long term and attract future talent, said leading CHROs who participated in an HR Indaba Conversation, sponsored by Workday.
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BY PUSELETSO MOMPEI
OH Group HR director Malisha Awunor believes follow-through is essential when responding to crises, and pointed to the July 2021 riots as a time when her organisation chose to step up. When the violence broke out, the company had to try to maintain a sustainable business while supporting their people through the intense fear and panic. Malisha explained that EOH created a chatbot on WhatsApp, which was deployed in 24 hours. Through that platform, people could
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request accommodation, food, medicine and counselling. Within a few days, in response to requests, EOH procured 24 tonnes of food for its people and ensured it was delivered. They partnered with restaurants and made 6,000 warm meals for people to pick up, and more than 500 people and their families took up trauma counselling. “To me that is leadership in action,” said Malisha. “That is walking the talk when people need it the most. Our leadership reached out and showed care. Leadership support is always
