The Open Doors Initiative has today released a podcast series to help workers and businesses deal with the new realities of employment during the Covid-19 crisis. The initiative is also today publishing a ‘Covid-19 Toolkit’ aimed at helping people with information on working from home, upskilling, financial supports and wellbeing.
The podcasts are available on bit.ly/OpenDoorsCovid while the toolkit and many other resources are available on the Open Doors Initiative website.
The four-part podcast series features different experts all addressing different aspects of work / business during the Covid-19 crisis. Those featured in the podcast are:
- David Joyce, Equality Officer from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions
- Maureen Walsh, CEO of DeCare Dental
- Tiernan Brady, Global Director of Inclusion, Clifford Chance
- Dr Pat McKeon, founder of Aware and former Clinical Director of St. Patrick’s Hospital.
Among the topics they address are mental health supports at this time, the need for inclusion and diversity in the workplace – now more than ever, and what the future of work and working practices may bring.
Alongside the podcasts the online toolkit offers best practice and work planning with links to resources and aids for people affected by this change.
Jeanne McDonagh, CEO of the Open Doors Initiative said: “In recent weeks we have seen employment fall by over 17% in Ireland, mainly affecting those most in need such as employees on a low wage and marginalised people. There is a compelling need for social responsibility and leadership to be taken by the business community, where it can help.
“We have seen many businesses and their workers help where they can and Government, business and unions are working together to ensure that employment continues and the impact on the economy is temporary and recoverable. We are proud that so many businesses and organisations, including our members, are stepping up to help those who need it most”.
The Open Doors Initiative was established to help three marginalised groups in employment in Ireland – those with a disability, under 25s with educational disadvantage, and refugees and asylum seekers.
We know that during the current Covid-19 crisis the impact on these groups is greater:
- For young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, this can lead to falling into negative behaviour, criminality and other anti-social ways, as supports such as mentoring and training are not available.
- People in direct provision who have no way to move accommodation and protect themselves and their families through self-isolation while modes of travel are restricted too.
- For people with many disabilities, who need work routine, or have difficulty working without carer support or have mental health difficulties, can all be very affected by the changes that have come about.