• Published on: Aug 03, 2021
  • 2 minute read
  • By: Covid Expert Online

Covid Delta Variant: Virus Is Changing And We Need To Change Too!

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Delta Variant: Virus is changing and we need to change too!

The entire world is changing its overall strategy on the coronavirus pandemic this week. Masks are back, vaccine mandates are looming, and officials have sounded more worried than they have in months. Employees must wear a mask throughout the day at work while also keeping distance from others and submitting to a virus test once per week for safety reasons driving these changes as two factors: The large number who remain unvaccinated due to fears about vaccines' health effects combined with Delta variant's rapid spread across Europe over recent weeks which forces authorities around the world into immediate action against disease threat."

The Delta variant, originally known as B.1-617.2 has been around since last year but in recent months it's become the fastest spreading virus of all time according to many experts and scientists who are researching this issue more now than ever before. The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have also said that COVID-19 cases have increased over 300% nationally from June 19th to July 23rd along with parallel increases in hospitalizations and deaths are driven by the highly transmissible B: 1 617 2 delta variant which is one of a few reasons why they're so concerned about this new strain because there doesn't seem like any way we can stop or cure it yet if at all.

The Delta variant, originally known as B.1.617.2, has been around since last year but in recent months it's become speedily dominant with an 80% share of newly diagnosed cases across the US according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC says there have also been "parallel increases" in hospitalizations and deaths which are being driven by this new highly transmissible strain - COVID-19 or what is now better described as the Delta infection

Let's understand what the Delta variant is: a virus that has been around since late last year but in recent months it has become speedily dominant in many countries. It accounts for more than 80% of newly diagnosed cases.

The Delta variant is more transmissible in some studies, but not all. One CDC document indicates the Delta variant to be as contagious as chickenpox with each infected person infecting a few others. This difficult number to check because it requires much testing which has yet been done

The Delta variant is more transmissible than traditional coronavirus, but we don't know by how much. The CDC estimates that the new virus might be about 60-200% as contagious as chickenpox with each infected person infecting eight or nine others on average while a typical case of common cold only has an infection rate of two other people per affected individual. One paragraph from one CDC document indicates that this number could even be higher and since it's difficult to determine exact statistics without comprehensive testing, there are multiple possible outcomes for these estimations.

In a recent presentation, the CDC has noted that vaccines prevent more than 90% of severe diseases but may be less effective at preventing infection or transmission. However, if you're vaccinated with one of two currently approved COVID-19 mRNA vaccine brands (Pfizer and Moderna), then evidence suggests they are highly effective against hospitalization and death for various strains such as Alpha (B.1.1.7) Beta (B 1/351), Gamma( P 1 ), Delta( B/617).

 The presentation notes that vaccines are less effective at preventing infection or transmission and sometimes can lead to breakthrough outbreaks in communities despite vaccination. To help combat these effects, the site also noted Moderna's mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is highly effective for many strains of measles including Alpha (B.1.1), Beta (B2) Gamma (P), Delta B(2).

A recent study has shown that the effectiveness of vaccines against certain variants may be lower than previously anticipated. The CDC is urging for ongoing monitoring to ensure appropriate vaccination strategies are developed and implemented with these new findings in mind.

Data suggest that the vaccine is less effective against confirmed infection and symptomatic disease caused by variants of influenza. Ongoing monitoring should be done to ensure that vaccines are still as effective in fighting off Delta variant though lab tests indicate immune response generated should cover it.

Delta has a unique set of mutations that may allow it to evade the human immune system and be more efficient in infecting cells. Delta's changes are limited to its receptor-binding domain, which allows for tight connections with the host cell while also helping this virus escape detection by hiding from our body's natural defenses like antibodies. One change is believed to help make these bonds tighter--making us sicker faster!

The delta virus has at least three mutations on a structure that is called the receptor-binding domain--the part of the disease-causing agent responsible for docking into human cells it infects. It may help evade detection by our immune system, and one mutation, in particular, could make it bind more tightly to infected cells.

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Employee Wall

Employee Wall of Fame: Celebrating Uniqueness to Build a Positive Workplace Culture

In today’s evolving workplaces, employee engagement is no longer driven solely by compensation or job titles. People seek recognition, inclusion and a sense of belonging. One of the most effective yet simple ways to achieve this is through an Employee Wall of Fame. By celebrating individuality and contribution, organisations can create a culture where employees feel seen, valued and motivated.

Recognition is not a luxury. It is a fundamental driver of organisational wellbeing and performance.

 

Why Recognition Matters in the Workplace

Recognition fulfills a basic human need: appreciation.

When employees feel recognised:

  • morale improves

  • motivation increases

  • loyalty strengthens

  • burnout reduces

According to global workplace studies, lack of recognition is one of the top reasons for employee disengagement.

 

What Is an Employee Wall of Fame?

An Employee Wall of Fame is a physical or digital space dedicated to highlighting employees for their achievements, values, creativity or unique strengths.

It may showcase:

  • professional accomplishments

  • teamwork contributions

  • innovation and problem-solving

  • leadership qualities

  • personal milestones

The focus is not competition, but appreciation.

 

Celebrating Uniqueness, Not Just Performance

Traditional recognition often focuses only on targets or numbers.

A Wall of Fame expands recognition to include:

  • collaboration

  • consistency

  • empathy

  • creativity

  • positive attitude

This approach ensures diverse strengths are valued.

 

Psychological Impact of Workplace Recognition

Recognition positively affects mental health.

Benefits include:

  • improved self-esteem

  • reduced stress

  • increased sense of purpose

  • stronger emotional connection to work

WHO recognises psychosocial wellbeing as a key component of healthy workplaces.

 

Inclusion and Belonging Through Recognition

Celebrating uniqueness supports inclusion.

It helps:

  • recognise diverse backgrounds

  • reduce bias

  • promote equal visibility

When employees see people like themselves being appreciated, trust and belonging grow.

 

Employee Wall of Fame as a Culture-Building Tool

Culture is shaped by what organisations choose to celebrate.

A visible Wall of Fame:

  • reinforces company values

  • sets behavioural standards

  • inspires others

It becomes a living reflection of organisational culture.

 

Types of Recognition on a Wall of Fame

Achievement-Based Recognition

For milestones, project success or innovation.

Value-Based Recognition

For demonstrating company values such as integrity or teamwork.

Peer Recognition

Employees nominate colleagues, increasing engagement.

Personal Growth Recognition

Celebrating learning, upskilling or personal achievements.

 

How an Employee Wall of Fame Improves Engagement

Engaged employees:

  • perform better

  • collaborate more

  • stay longer

EY-FICCI workplace studies show recognition-driven programs significantly improve engagement scores.

 

Impact on Productivity and Performance

Recognition creates positive reinforcement.

Employees who feel valued:

  • take ownership of work

  • show initiative

  • maintain consistency

Appreciation fuels sustained performance.

 

Supporting Mental Wellbeing at Work

Recognition reduces workplace stress by:

  • validating effort

  • reducing feelings of invisibility

  • encouraging positive feedback loops

Mental wellbeing improves when employees feel respected and acknowledged.

 

How to Design an Effective Employee Wall of Fame

Key principles include:

  • inclusivity

  • transparency

  • fairness

  • consistency

Clear criteria prevent bias and ensure credibility.

 

Physical vs Digital Wall of Fame

Physical Wall

Creates visual impact in office spaces.

Digital Wall

Ideal for remote or hybrid teams.

Both formats can coexist for maximum reach.

 

Frequency of Updates Matters

Stale recognition loses impact.

Best practices include:

  • monthly highlights

  • quarterly rotations

  • special occasion features

Fresh content sustains enthusiasm.

 

Role of Leadership in Recognition

Leadership participation strengthens impact.

When leaders:

  • nominate employees

  • share appreciation publicly

recognition becomes part of organisational identity.

 

Employee Participation and Ownership

Encouraging peer nominations:

  • increases engagement

  • reduces hierarchy

  • builds mutual respect

Recognition becomes a shared responsibility.

 

Measuring the Impact of Recognition Initiatives

Impact can be assessed through:

  • engagement surveys

  • retention metrics

  • feedback forms

  • participation rates

Data-driven insights help refine programs.

 

Long-Term Benefits of Celebrating Uniqueness

Over time, organisations experience:

  • stronger culture

  • higher retention

  • improved employer branding

  • healthier workplace relationships

Recognition is a long-term investment, not a one-time activity.

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid:

  • recognising only top performers

  • favouritism

  • lack of transparency

  • irregular updates

Consistency and fairness are essential.

 

Employee Wall of Fame as Part of Holistic Wellness

Recognition complements:

  • mental health initiatives

  • team-building programs

  • wellness activities

A supportive culture enhances overall wellbeing.

 

Conclusion

An Employee Wall of Fame is more than a display—it is a statement of values. By celebrating uniqueness and recognising diverse contributions, organisations create workplaces where people feel valued, motivated and connected. In an era where employee wellbeing and engagement define success, recognition-driven initiatives like a Wall of Fame play a vital role in building resilient, inclusive and high-performing teams. Celebrating people is not just good culture—it is good leadership.

 

References

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing
  • EY-FICCI – Employee Engagement and Workplace Culture Reports
  • NITI Aayog – Future of Work and Organisational Wellbeing Studies
  • Lancet – Psychosocial Work Environment Research
  • Statista – Global Employee Engagement and Recognition Trends

See all

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