"Only the basics—decency, fairness and genuine compassion—remain."
This year’s holiday season is decidedly different from those of previous years. The COVID-19 pandemic brought loss and danger to our well-being, changed our social patterns and made our economic future a lot less secure.
Then again, these hard times allowed us to appreciate the things we took for granted. The restrictions in movement and uncertainty about what lies ahead have made us recognize that so long as we had the basics—food, shelter, utilities, good health, tools to make us productive, the people who matter to us, and a little bit of hope—we can make it through this pandemic. Everything else is a luxury.
One of the lessons many of us learned during this difficult year is to be empathetic to others. We see the plight of those who risk their lives just to perform their duties. We understand how washing hands or maintaining a safe physical distance could be impossible for others who have no access to running water and who have to live in cramped quarters. We commiserate with those who have lost their jobs or who are not getting the proper compensation despite the effort and commitment they give to the workplace.
This is why it is good that our Labor officials have clarified what employees could expect from their employers this Christmas season.
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said all businesses must release their employees’ 13th month pay as provided for by the law, regardless of any financial difficulties companies may have due to the pandemic.
There are no excuses and no exemptions, Bello said over the weekend during a TV and radio interview. The full amount must be released before Christmas Eve.
The pandemic has made the situation difficult for both employees and employers. The latter, however, have the moral responsibility to look after and genuinely care about the welfare of the people who work for them.
During these trying times, it is people who carry an organization from one day to the next. They show up and do their work despite their personal crises. And they know better than to expect glittery presents, lavish parties or handsome bonuses from their bosses. They are aware that businesses are suffering and that they are still lucky to have a job. Much wizened, employees understand that the pandemic has worsened already-challenging situations.
The usual festivities associated with the holiday season are the farthest from their minds. People simply want to keep body and soul together, and live with dignity for one more day, and yet another. Fairness, decency and genuine compassion from those they toil for—and whose leadership they look up to— are enough.