While they all hoped 2020 would see the end of lockdowns in Australia, 2021 has brought on new pandemic-driven challenges as the COVID-19 Delta variant continues to affect the majority of states across the nation.
New South Wales and Victoria are experiencing some of the harshest lockdowns Australia has seen in an effort to ‘stop the spread’ of the highly contagious Delta variant.
Impact on the local businesses
These frequent and prolonged lockdowns are having a significant impact on the local businesses
As capital cities sit silent, these frequent and prolonged lockdowns are having a significant impact on the local businesses and the health and well-being of the communities.
The governments have made it clear, in order for Australians to return to a lockdown-free way of life, 70 percent of the population needs to be vaccinated.
Leading the way
As a national company with more than 2,500 employees dispersed across Australia as well as New Zealand, at ARA Group, they support the critical role the vaccine will play in improving the safety of workplaces and the community.
To help lift the country out of extended lockdown, ARA Group is pioneering corporate Australia and encouraging the 2,500+ employees across Australia and New Zealand to ‘get the jab’ to help fill the gap in national vaccination rates.
Encourage business continuity
How do they do this? ARA Group is giving fully vaccinated employees the chance to win USD 10,000 each month until the end of the year as part of ‘Vaccination Lottery’, as well as offering an extra paid annual leave day for all fully vaccinated staff.
In line with pro-vaccination initiatives being implemented overseas, ARA Group hopes taking this step will set an example for business pioneers across Australia and encourage business continuity for the nation’s economy. ARA Group Founder and Managing Director, Edward Federman said he believes it is vital for companies across Australia and New Zealand to do their part to help safeguard the communities from further lockdowns.
Important role in employees
“I am fully vaccinated and believe it is important for our employees to be protected as well as their families, their workmates, and our customers. I am encouraging eligible employees to get vaccinated, but also to seek medical advice for their individual circumstances prior to receiving their vaccination,” Edward said.
“I believe corporate Australia has an important role in encouraging employees to get vaccinated, and ARA Group is doing its part. If we are to get out of the lockdowns safely, we need people to be vaccinated.”
Safeguarding employee wellbeing
ARA Group has recognized the challenges faced by its employees and their families
Throughout the prolonged lockdowns, ARA Group has recognized the challenges faced by its employees and their families, offering additional support through Lifeworks, the company’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
The Lifeworks app provides useful strategies for maintaining good mental health during periods of social distancing and isolation.
Lifeworks app
“The various lockdowns around the country are making life challenging for us all, but having access to the Lifeworks app gives our employees access to helpful tips on how to restore a sense of normality in their daily lives,” Edward said.
“It’s more important now than ever to make sure to check on colleagues, family and friends during this time. We are all united and can do our part to help end lockdowns by getting vaccinated.”