Virtual Workshops give Female Employees a Break from WFH during Women's Week

This past year has been hard for everyone, but it has affected women in particular as they juggle professional careers, domestic chores, family expectations, children and their homeschooling. In conjunction with International Women’s Day, the QI Group’s Malaysia office decided to use the opportunity to give our hardworking women employees a chance to take a break and destress even while most employees are still stuck working from home, A series of week long virtual workshops were organised for our superwomen which included everything from cooking to make up to yoga lessons and wellness advice. The aim was to give our female employees a platform to bond, let their hair down, and take a break from the hectic pace of life. The ladies who joined the online cooking classes by Kalyani Puspangathan from the Corporate Services and Administration department learnt how to make vegetarian fish curry, dhal curry, and eggplant sambal. Communications department member Kohilah Sekaran who attended the cooking class said she appreciated Kalyani’s tips on preparing quick meals. “Time management is important for working women who have to cook and do household chores after work. I’m glad I could learn a few things from Kalyani to make these quick meals at home,” she said. Olivia Oscar from HR participated in the yoga classes. She loved the lessons.

“I feel energized after the yoga session by Pushpaja Ang. The diamond posture is my favourite. I am really happy to be part of a company where women are appreciated and celebrated,” she said.

Well-known Malaysian makeup artist Kalai Selvi shared tips on how to apply a flawless foundation and using the right concealer. She also provided a tutorial on full-face makeup for beginners, as well as tips on how to drape an Indian saree. The staff also enjoyed the work-life balance talk by QI Services Head of Talent Management Shaheen Lakdawalla who shared her insights into maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

“Knowing your priorities and learning when to say no are important in managing your time, especially during the work-from-home period,” she said.

Shaheen also said setting boundaries and creating a white space to schedule daily activities will support one’s work-life integration. “We need to be responsible to not only set but also enforce these boundaries on our life. Awareness of your emotional state is essential in order to determine the changes you want to make in your work and your life,” she added. Women make up nearly half of the Group’s workforce and many women hold managerial positions. These activities were organised by the Staff Social Responsibility (SSR) Committee of the QI Group. The SSR Committee is the coordination arm of RYTHM Foundation in implementing community engagement and volunteer work within the QI Group.