Assignment 2: Response to Covid-19

Name: Anum Sheraz

Reg #: MBE 203007

Due on: 20th April, 2021

PacSqaure’s Change Management Response to COVID-19

PacSquare technologies is a global 360° IT Solution Expert. This is a small size company with

around 50 employees working in the capital city of Pakistan while catering to the needs of

international clients throughout the world. PacSquare is a team of dynamic and versatile

professionals who are providing technological solutions to various complex and challenging

problems to their business clients all across the globe.

Source for Information about PacSqaure’s response to Covid-19

I interviewed an employee of PacSquare that works at the

designation of Android Developer. Syed Mohsin Ali Shah helped

me in understanding how Covid-19 impacted PacSquare as well

as the company’s response to the pandemic. Interview Guide is

attached in Appendix A.

Pandemic and its impact on PacSquare

According to Mr. Mohsin, Once the pandemic hit in the initial few

weeks the company’s management did not pay much attention to the Covid-19. Once the lockdown

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was imposed by the Government of Pakistan, it became a little difficult to take on new projects.

Management needed to hold meetings with local clients to understand their requirements with

regards to the technological solutions. Generally a team of 6 members usually works on one project

but when the lockdown was imposed, the initial reaction was that team leads found it difficult to

co-ordinate with each other. In addition to this, two of the employees working at this organisation

tested positive for covid-19. This was a huge setback for the organisation.

The lockdown situation was quiet ambiguous at the start which made it difficult for the

management to take a decision with regards to working situation. As soon as the situation

intensified and it became clear that the lockdown would persist, the management created an

effective work from home policy.

PacSquare’s Response to Covid-19

There were a number of initiatives carried out by PacSquare Technologies in an attempt to deal

with covid-19 while also maintaining employee morale. Mr. Mohsin explained that during the

pandemic various technological businesses were forced to shut down or completely reimagine the

way they initially worked. PacSquare was dedicated to its employees and even during difficult

times, the management implemented various steps to stay resilient while ensuring that employees

feel safe from pandemic and had job security. Some of the major initiatives taken by Pak square

in response to covid-19 are briefly discussed below:

 For a technology oriented company like PacSquare, it was not difficult to handle remote

working. The company is already working remotely for its international clients thus the

same protocols were implemented in Pakistan to ensure the pace of work and its quality

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 was not harmed. Teams were already self-managing teams which made it easier for the

employees to self-regulate their own work responsibly.

 Full suite of Microsoft teams was purchased and various teams were created. Video

conferencing were used to keep working. Existing projects were given to the teams to speed

up work for international clients. Few application were created for PacSquare itself that

were uploaded on Google Play Store and Apple Store for revenue during lockdown. Once

the lockdown was relaxed, employees were only asked to come to office if necessary. All

the while, salaries were being dispersed before time to keep employees secure in their jobs.

All client meetings were made digital.

 Once the lockdown was completely lifted, all employees of PacSquare were asked to take

a Covid test. Employees were reimbursed for the payment they made for taking the test.

 Employees were made to follow SOPs strictly. Throughout the office premises, sanitization

was carried out to provide employees with peace of mind. Hand sanitizers, gloves and face

masks were made available at every conference room and sitting space throughout the

building. The sitting spaces were re-engineered to ensure that employees were sitting at

least 6 feet apart.

 Employees who tested positive for Covid after the office reopening were asked self-

Quarantine and given paid sick leave. The rest of the employees at PacSquare were

encouraged to emotionally support their team members during the tough times. A number

of social media post was circulated focusing on a people centered approach for tackling

covid-10. In addition to this, the management specifically focused their efforts to ensure

Wellness of employees. Some of the posts are attached below in Appendix B.

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 Appendix A: Interview Guide

Q1) how the work of PacSquare was impacted by the pandemic?

Q2) how did PacSquare manage to deal with the pandemic? What initiative were taken?\

Q3) did management take quick action or the decision was delayed?

Q4) how were employees managed in online settings?

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Appendix B: Social Media Posts as a response to Covid-19

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References:

 Interview with Android Developer at PacSquare

 https://x.facebook.com/PacSquare/

 https://www.linkedin.com/company/pac-square/?originalSubdomain=pk

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