As India grapples with the world’s largest COVID-19 outbreak, a team of Kohler associate volunteers have come together to spread hope and support needed by so many of their fellow colleagues and families.
The Kohler India COVID Task Force is a network of nearly 35 associates from various functions across our Kitchen & Bath, Power, and India Technical Center businesses. Associate volunteers are working diligently to keep connected to colleagues on a regular basis – reaching approximately 200 individuals daily – to gather essential information, understand what kind of support is needed, provide information , and escalate any emergency situations. Volunteers, who received first responder training to equip them for the situation, are assisting with access to local first responders and resources, including cash for medical expenses, medical coverage, home sample pick-ups, food, and interest-free loans. In addition, the team is partnering with local authorities and leveraging personal contacts when possible to ensure associates’ needs are being met, including finding hospital accommodations for those in need.
According to Jay Ojha, General Manager – Human Resources, Kitchen & Bath India, the idea to keep a close-knit support system for our associates during this difficult time began immediately as the country started to experience a rapid spike in pandemic cases. “It is very gratifying to know you have impacted someone’s life positively,” Ojha said. “The powerful way everybody rallied together around our associates in need really makes me so proud. I also appreciate the support we’ve received from our leaders who play a pivotal role in policy decisions and the initiatives we roll out."