This archive report was first published on 23 April 2020.
Published on April 23, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has left businesses in Africa and globally in a precarious situation.
On one hand, the economic disruption caused by the highly contagious disease paints a bleak outlook for the short to long term, with pay cuts and layoffs being considered to slash running costs for businesses to survive.
On the other hand, companies must consider the welfare of their employees, who rely on their jobs for livelihoods and would be impacted by layoffs.
Philip Morris International has taken a bold stance, promising employment security, financial stability, and special recognition to its staff.
"It is precisely in such difficult and unprecedented circumstances that as an employer we need to stick together with our employees," said Khady M.N.Sarr, Human Resources Director, Sub Saharan African Region, Philip Morris International.
Other companies, such as Unilever and MTN Group, have also taken steps to support their employees, including providing safety hampers and raising a staff emergency fund.
However, many businesses have had to rely on government measures, such as stimulus packages and tax relief, to cushion themselves from the pandemic's effects and safeguard their employees' livelihoods.
As the pandemic continues to spread, businesses in Africa must navigate this delicate balance between employee welfare and business interests.
