In order to persuade workers to take the COVID-19 threat seriously, Meezan Bank has taken the exceptionally tough but potentially necessary step imposing a fine on those who refuse to wear a mask.
According to an internal memo from Meezan Bank signed by the Deputy CEO of Ariful Islam, this is called the "mask rule" which requires staff to wear masks covering the nose and mouth of the office at all times.
If employees fail to comply, they are subject to a cascading penalty system. Tea boys, riders and staff pay 1000 rupees for the first violation. Area administrators pay Rs 2,000; Vice-Presidents and Vice-Presidents pay Rs 5,000; Senior Vice Presidents and Vice Presidents pay Rs 15,000; Senior Executive Vice Presidents pay Rs 20,000; and the President and CEOs pay Rs. 50,000.
In the second crime, teaboys, riders and employees pay 12,000 rupees.
Area managers pay Rs 4,000; Vice-Presidents and Vice-Presidents pay Rs 10,000; Senior Vice Presidents and Group Directors pay Rs 30,000; Senior Executive Vice Presidents pay Rs 40,000; and the President and CEOs pay Rs 100,000.
In the case of a third violation, Meezan Bank said strict disciplinary action will be taken.
The fine is deducted from staff salaries and transferred to the Ihsan Trust account, which distributes ransom to people whose livelihoods are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The "mask rule" is carried out through physical checks and surveillance using surveillance cameras installed in Meezan Bank offices and headquarters. The rule will be implemented on April 20 at headquarters and April 21 for all other locations.
Why did the bank choose to be so strict? According to Islam: "From time to time we have given employees different instructions and guidelines for the precautions to be taken to prevent the virus from spreading.
Unfortunately, despite our efforts, it has turned out that employees at all levels do not these instructions.
The memo also highlighted the need to take precautions when a recent study found that 70 percent of people who tested positive for COVID-19 were asymptomatic. "Please do not think that you do not have to take all precautions if you do not feel ill," said Islam.
Other precautions have also been mentioned, such as washing your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and exercising social distance.
The State Bank of Pakistan has made banks an indispensable industry and has left banks open throughout Pakistan with bans all over the country. However, most banks only work with critical staff.
The branches also have limited opening hours, which are open from Monday to Thursday from 10am to 4pm and on Fridays from 10am to 1pm In recent weeks, SBP has also promoted digital payment and online banking to get fewer people to visit bank branches .
