Coming out Stronger and More Relevant During This COVID-19 Crisis by Christine Rodriguez
As a testament to John Clements Consultants Inc.’s (JCCI) quick response to the volatile and challenging times presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, President and CEO Carol Dominguez initiated a series of steps to stay proactive, compassionate, and relevant to her organization and clients.
“During these times of crisis, it is very important to learn how to manage stress. Remember that this is a marathon and not a sprint,” said Dominguez, during one of the company’s Webex town hall meetings.
JCCI is at the forefront of corporate adaptation during these trying times. At the onset of the pandemic, the company immediately implemented its Business Continuity Plan and quickly cascaded vital information to all employees. The vast majority of JCCI employees began working from home on March 17, 2020.
Notably, after the first week of the month-long enhanced community quarantine, JCCI invited Dr. Ma. Cristina Esquivel-Saldivar, president of the Association of Psychological and Educational Counsellors of Asia-Pacific (APECA), to talk about managing stress while working from home. The talk, entitled “Managing Your Mental Health Amidst These Uncertain Times,” centered on the concept of looking after your well-being.
Key points included:
- Don’t be guilted into being more productive during this enhanced community quarantine; it’s okay not to be productive if you are overwhelmed.
- Practice positive responses to your negative thoughts. For example, when you are stuck at home, be grateful that you actually have a home and you get to spend time with your family.
- Practice postponing your worries. Divide them or identify whether your worry is a REAL problem or an imagined, HYPOTHETICAL one.
Dr. Esquivel-Saldivar also stressed that people working from home should practice mindfulness and to not forget to take care of oneself — maintain balance in one’s life. She also quoted Victor E. Frankl, saying, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”
Indeed, during this time of crisis, we, as a workforce and members of the JCCI family, should rise up to the challenge. In doing so, we will come out stronger and more relevant when the pandemic is over. Because, for sure, this COVID-19 threat will end — and when the dust settles, JCCI will, more than ever, be needed to prove its mettle and relevance to the human capital industry.
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About the author:
Christine finished B.A. Philippine Studies at the University of the Philippines, Diliman. A coffee fanatic, Christine loves swimming, long walks, Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto, and re-potting succulents. Christine is also a volunteer big sister (ate) to rescued human trafficking victims and spends one Sunday a month with them in their safe house.
