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Published on: Apr 04, 2020
2 minute read
By: Raj Dwivedi

Protect Yourself From COVID-19 (novel Coronavirus)?

COVID-19 is a viral disease that is spread by airborne droplets, similar to other viral diseases such as the common cold. Symptoms include respiratory issues such as coughing and sneezing, and for this reason many people look towards masks to prevent the spread of this disease. Whilst masks have their place in the treatment and management of respiratory illnesses in the healthcare setting, for the general public masks are of little use. Most members of the public use simple surgical masks, and these are not as effective as the approved N95 particulate respirators used by healthcare professionals.

THE PROBLEM WITH MASKS

Simple face-masks help prevent large droplets and particles from teaching your mouth and nose, particles that may contain viruses and bacteria. In surgery they prevent bodily fluids from being transmitted between patient and surgeon, such as blood. However their design does not block the very small particles that are transmitted by coughs and sneezes. Furthermore they are loose fitting and so particulates can still enter through the gaps between the mask and the skin.

N95 respirators on the other hand are specially designed to prevent very fine particulate matter from entering the users nose and mouth. However even these are not perfect as they are only rated to block 95% of all such matter. Their use also depends on having a tight seal around the face, and cannot be used with facial hair. Application of the mask must also be done in a particular manner without touching the mask to ensure it remains sterile. It needs to be replaced as soon as it is damp, and by only touching the straps behind your head. Before and after putting on the mask your hands should be cleaned with alcohol based gels, or with soap and water.

Because of the issues associated with masks, the WHO has released recommendations on when members of the public should use masks:

· If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected 2019-nCoV infection.

· Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.

· Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

THE IMPORTANCE OF HYGEINE

So if masks are not effective, what should you do? The simple answer is you should maintain good personal hygiene to minimise the risk of infection. Simple, frequent hand-washing with soap and water or with alcohol gel physically destroys the virus on your hands. This minimises any transmission risk to yourself and to other people. If sneezing, you should sneeze into the crook of your elbow or into a tissue, and dispose of this. After this you should once again clean your hands and dry them thoroughly. Washing your hands for 20 seconds is more effective at reducing the risk of infection than wearing a mask.

Antibiotics will not help in treating COVID-19 as this is a viral disease. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses because they are completely separate types of organisms, as different as a human is to a potato. Other drastic measures such as irradiating your body or using highly irritant cleaning products on the skin such as bleach can cause harm and create further medical problems. Using traditional or homemade medical therapies advocated on social media or by word-of-mouth are similarly not effective in destroying the virus. Some treatments can be harmful to your body as they are untested with no evidence to show they work, and unfortunately can provide you with a false sense of security. If you wish to obtain advice you should do so from a qualified health professional or from the World Health Organisation site on public advice. This can be found on https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public COVID-19.

www.secondmedic.com website

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Kindness Week – Recognize Employees Going the Extra Mile

In today’s fast-paced corporate world, deadlines, targets and performance metrics often dominate workplace conversations. However, one powerful factor that consistently drives employee satisfaction and productivity is kindness.

Kindness Week is a meaningful initiative designed to celebrate employees who go beyond their defined roles, support their colleagues and contribute positively to workplace culture. Recognizing those who consistently go the extra mile not only boosts morale but also strengthens organizational values.

Why Kindness Matters in the Workplace

Kindness in professional settings includes:

Offering help without being asked
Supporting team members during stressful periods
Maintaining respectful communication
Appreciating others’ contributions
Showing empathy during challenges

These small actions significantly influence employee wellbeing and workplace harmony.

Research in organizational psychology indicates that workplaces with higher levels of appreciation and positive reinforcement experience:

Better employee engagement
Lower stress levels
Higher productivity
Improved retention rates

The Purpose of Kindness Week

Kindness Week serves multiple objectives:

1. Encourage Positive Behavior

By highlighting positive actions, organizations reinforce desirable behaviors.

2. Promote Appreciation

Employees feel valued when their efforts are acknowledged publicly.

3. Strengthen Team Bonds

Recognition fosters collaboration and trust.

4. Improve Workplace Morale

Celebrating contributions creates a supportive environment.

Benefits of Recognizing Employees Who Go the Extra Mile

Boosted Motivation

When employees know their efforts are noticed, they are more motivated to maintain high performance.

Increased Engagement

Recognition creates emotional connection with the organization.

Better Mental Wellbeing

Feeling appreciated reduces stress and burnout.

Enhanced Organizational Reputation

A positive work culture attracts talent and strengthens employer branding.

How to Celebrate Kindness Week

1. Employee Appreciation Awards

Create categories such as:

Kindness Champion
Team Support Star
Helping Hand Award
Positive Attitude Leader

Keep criteria transparent and inclusive.

2. Gratitude Wall

Encourage employees to post thank-you notes recognizing colleagues’ contributions.

This creates visible appreciation within the organization.

3. Leadership Acknowledgment

Managers and senior leaders can personally recognize employees during team meetings.

Direct appreciation from leadership increases impact.

4. Team Lunch or Wellness Event

Organize:

Welcome lunches
Healthy snack days
Mindfulness sessions
Team-building activities

Combining kindness with wellness initiatives reinforces healthy workplace culture.

5. Random Acts of Kindness Challenge

Encourage employees to perform small acts such as:

Mentoring a junior colleague
Helping with workload
Writing appreciation emails
Sharing learning resources

Recognize participation at week’s end.

Kindness and Employee Retention

Studies consistently show that employees who feel recognized are more likely to remain loyal to their organizations.

Recognition contributes to:

Reduced turnover
Improved job satisfaction
Stronger commitment
Positive organizational citizenship behavior

Kindness Week may seem simple, but its long-term cultural impact can be significant.

Promoting Inclusivity During Kindness Week

Ensure recognition initiatives:

Avoid favoritism
Include all departments
Value non-managerial roles equally
Recognize behind-the-scenes contributions

Inclusivity strengthens fairness and trust.

Measuring the Impact

Organizations can assess the success of Kindness Week by tracking:

Employee feedback surveys
Participation rates
Team engagement metrics
Retention trends

Continuous appreciation initiatives beyond one week create sustainable results.

Building a Culture Beyond One Week

Kindness should not be limited to a single event. Companies can maintain momentum by:

Monthly recognition programs
Peer-to-peer appreciation platforms
Wellness check-ins
Leadership mentoring initiatives

Embedding appreciation into daily operations ensures lasting cultural transformation.

The Indian Corporate Context

In India’s rapidly growing corporate landscape, workplace stress and competition are increasing. Initiatives like Kindness Week support mental wellbeing, collaboration and emotional resilience.

Organizations prioritizing empathy and recognition often witness stronger teamwork and healthier work environments.

Conclusion

Kindness Week is more than a celebration — it is a strategic initiative to recognize employees who go the extra mile and foster a culture of appreciation. By encouraging empathy, gratitude and recognition, organizations create an environment where employees feel valued and motivated.

Simple acts of appreciation can lead to stronger teams, improved morale and long-term success. Recognizing kindness today builds a more collaborative and positive workplace for tomorrow.

References

Society for Human Resource Management – Employee Recognition Studies
Indian Journal of Occupational Health – Workplace Wellbeing Research
Harvard Business Review – Impact of Appreciation on Productivity
World Health Organization – Healthy Workplace Framework
National Institute of Mental Health – Workplace Mental Health Insights

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