In the wake of the Government’s COVID-19 vaccination roll-out process expanding to include eligible citizens above 60 years of age and 45 to 59 years with specified co-morbidities, many corporates are stepping in to provide free vaccination to their employees.
Leading this brigade are IT and IT services majors like Infosys, Capgemini, and Accenture who announced plans to absorb the vaccination costs for their employees.
At Accenture, for people who are eligible and choose to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, Accenture in India will cover the cost for the employee and their dependents who are part of our medical benefits program.
Rekha M. Menon, Chairperson, and Senior Managing Director, Accenture in India stated, “As we continue to navigate the pandemic, nothing is more important than the health and well-being of our people. At Accenture in India, we have continued to monitor and consider the guidance of external experts and groups, including international health organizations and local health authorities. Based on this, we strongly support the scientific and public health advice that encourages vaccination. For employees who are eligible and choose to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, Accenture will cover the cost for the employee and their dependents who are part of our medical benefits program. We are grateful to our people for their patience and resilience as we work together to manage through these extraordinary times.”
Similarly, Capgemini will also offer free vaccination for all its Indian employees and their dependents in strict accordance with all Government-approved protocols.
Ashwin Yardi, CEO of Capgemini in India said, “At Capgemini, our employee’s health and well-being is our highest priority. Adhering to the government protocols, Capgemini will cover the cost of the vaccination for all the eligible employees and their dependents who are part of our medical benefits program. We are undertaking these special initiatives to facilitate adequate protection for our colleagues and their loved ones from the pandemic and further strengthen our commitment towards our employees.”
Amway has also announced to sponsor COVID-19 vaccine expenses to extend further support to its employees and aid the government’s efforts to combat and contain the pandemic.
Anshu Budhraja, CEO, Amway India stated, “The pandemic has pushed the envelope for HR strategies across the board, making employees the core of every organization’s business strategy. At Amway, our employees and direct sellers are at the heart of everything we do and we prioritize their health and wellbeing above all. In line with this, we are now sponsoring COVID-19 vaccinations for all employees and their families. The current government scheme is covering citizens above 60 years of age and/or people above 45 years of age with comorbidities. Through this initiative, we are encouraging employees to register for vaccination on Co-Win App or Arogya Setu App and avail the sponsorship by Amway.”
Edtech company upGrad also will be covering 100% vaccination expenses for all its employees (full-time, contract, intern, etc.) and their families. The edtech leader is already in advanced discussion with private service providers for vaccination and the drive will initiate as soon as Government approvals and procurement of vaccines is allowed.
The readiness of many companies to absorb the vaccination costs for their employees is a welcome move, which will further help the country to fight the pandemic faster and hopefully ensure a return to normal faster. It remains to be seen how does the government partner with willing companies to speed up the process.
News Source: People Matters
