27 march 2020 issue 02
COVID-19 in this issue... COVID-19 guidelines Page 3
Ready for a new way of work? Page 4
SME Support department... against all odds do achieve a target Page 5
2
editorial team Martha Editor-in-chief Rhulani Editor Desmond Production coordinator Connie Support team member
message from the Editor Welcome to the second edition of Insider, March issue.
We are currently facing a challenging time as a country due to the corona virus pandemic. As at 27 March, the coronavirus cases have increased to 927. As the nation will be on lockdown, everyone is urged to comply with the lockdown rules and most importantly stay HOME. As communicated on 26 March 2020 regarding coronavirus – COVID-19 Guidelines and Procedures for SETAs, we are required to work from home (“remotely”) and adhere to our internal policies. This issue covers the ITAMED capacitation programme held this month as well as the COVID-19 updates. Browse to page 4 to prepare yourself with the new way of working. During the lockdown, we will continue to provide updates on the COVID-19 as they become available, stay connected.
~ Rhulani, Editor
3
COVID-19 UPDATE
As the country prepares for the first lockdown post-apartheid, Ministers have been briefing citizens on various measures that are being put into place to manage how we do things for the next 21 days. If you had any questions about your movements and the most popularly asked question around walking dogs, refer below as communicated by the security cluster: • You cannot jog or walk your dog on the street • Movement allowed only for essential services • No house parties with friends • Only ONE person in a car • Public transport available between 05H00 – 09H00 and 16H00 – 20H00. Retailers are being asked to align store openings to these hours.
We must all remember that the lockdown is meant to help the country flatten (let’s aim to break) the curve. It is not a holiday. Lives depend on this. Please STAY AT HOME!
4
READY FOR A NEW WAY OF WORK? The next few weeks are going to test our readiness for one of the new ways of work – work remotely. We and many other companies all over the world have had to quickly prepare ourselves for the unfamiliar world of working from home as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. This is going to test our discipline, maturity, commitment and IT capabilities to have us working from the comfort of our homes. The first week may be a challenge as we all get used to our new working conditions but just relax, we are in this together You are now armed with your laptop and APN card, let us navigate the road ahead
PROS • Managing yourself and your work which will teach you self sufficiency • Less stress due to elimination of travel to work in peak traffic
CONS • Balancing work and family can be challenging • Technology challenges • Time management
This is going to be a test for our bosses to manage remotely. Bosses, research shows that productivity while working from home can increase between 13% and 21% due to less interruptions from colleagues popping in for chats and fewer inefficient meetings. Let’s see if we can confirm this study.
ADVICE FOR BOSSES • Develop measurable goals to be achieved during this time. • Improve communication and technological capabilities.
tips
TIPS TO MANAGE WORKING FROM
HOME
Operate in a business-like-manner Set aside your working space free from distractions where you can work from Limit/manage disruptions and interruptions Set boundaries for family Keep to your daily routine Get ready for work as normal (get out of your pjs)and don’t be too comfortable and laid back. Create a todo list and prioritise tasks. Stay in the loop Connect with colleagues and look out for staff communique (our addition) Stay professional and be connected Team meetings are important, show up! Be reachable and responsive during working hours. Maintain physical and emotional health Workaholics, please don’t overdo it! Keep to your work day. Stay healthy Eat well, exercise regularly, keep to your sleeping routine, limit non-work related screen time and connect with family (and friends online). Tips thanks to Fin24 (adapted)
5
SME Support department... against all odds achieve a target
On 11 March 2020, the SME Support packed their bags and hit the road for the annual informal traders’ capacitation programme now known as Informal Traders and Micro Enterprises Development (ITAMED). The team was faced with an almost impossible task of covering 1500 informal traders in less than 3 weeks in order to meet the APP target. In the true spirit of teamwork, the team put together teams comprising of colleagues from other departments who covered three provinces daily for the 2-day programme from Cape Town to Polokwane in 6 days. Well done to the team for pulling out all stops and went all the way even in the midst of the corona virus outbreak to ensure that the target is achieved. The teams faced several challenges as measures to curb the spread of the virus intensified, but they did all they could to ensure that the sessions continued in whichever form possible. You have demonstrated the utmost commitment to the organisation and the informal traders that need our programmes.