Lotte Duty Free is maintaining efforts to protect employees during the intensifying Covid-19 situation through a series of new or extended adjustments to the work schedule.

Employees at the retailer’s Myeongdong headquarters can continue working from home until 11 March. Telecommuting for office staff was initially set to run from 28 February until 6 March to present the virus from spreading and to reduce congestion in the workplace. But the deadline was extended due to the severity of the crisis.

The telecommuting period has given the retailer some much needed time to monitor its progression with a view to introducing the system as part of various smart working initiatives in the future.

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

Other measures which have already been implemented include four-day weeks, for the period 9 March to 31 March and an option for staff to take short-term leave for reasons relating to health or family care, for example.

Lotte has also reduced office congestion by expanding the flexible work system. An optional work system has been introduced, allowing employees to adjust the number of monthly working days. This is part of a social distance programme to prevent the spread of the virus.

Employee restaurants are also offering a healthy menu, which includes an immunity-enhancing diet and the hours of operation have been adjusted by department. This is to reduce the number of people gathering at any one time. In addition, screens have been placed on restaurant tables to prevent infection among employees.

As reported, Lotte formed an emergency response committee at the end of January chaired by CEO Kap Lee. As a result, daily fever checks are being undertaken, along with more regular disinfection procedures. The number of available hand sanitisers has also increased and it is now mandatory for shop staff to wear face masks. These are also available to customers.