Z. Rapti: Businesses are called to adapt to the new challenges imposed by the coronavirus

Undersecretary of Health Zoe Rapti attended an event of the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce for health workers.

Ms. Rapti, after thanking “the people who gave and give daily battles to save lives, in difficult conditions, in conditions where the endurance of man and the National Health System were tested”, assured that as a state and government, “we will continue to be next to these people of Health “.

Ms. Rapti noted that companies are called upon to adapt to the new challenges posed by covid-19 in terms of both work organization and employee health.

That is why, as he said, “together we must implement programs that can shield employees to take on their roles dynamically with the new conditions, recovering from the pandemic mental fatigue that seems to have affected a large percentage of people.”

The speech of Mrs. Rapti in detail:

“Mister President,

I am very happy to be among people today who, from their own position, during these two difficult years, have kept society afloat.

On the one hand health and on the other financially.

And I am glad that, Mr President, at your event today, you are honoring the people who work in the field of health.

The people who fought and are fighting every day to save lives, in difficult conditions, in conditions where the endurance of man and the National Health System were tested.

And I want to take this opportunity to thank them on my part, both as Deputy Minister of Health and as a citizen.
Because in the face of these people and of course in the face of our good friend and collaborator Mr. Exadaktylos, we honor all of us, who saved thousands of lives, in this war, with an invisible enemy, which is not over yet.

Dear friends,

I want to assure you that as a State and as a Government, we will continue to stand by these people of Health.

We will be by the side of society, and you business people.

There is no doubt that the pandemic has radically changed the way we work and live.

It has become clear that in addition to mental strength, empathy, creating a climate of trust and authenticity are among the most important leadership skills in employees, teams and organizations.

Businesses are required to adapt to the new challenges posed by COVID-19 both in terms of work organization (workplaces, hygiene of these spaces, new forms of work such as telework), and in terms of employee health (physical and mental health)

That is why we must jointly implement programs that can shield employees from taking on their roles dynamically with the new conditions, recovering from the pandemic mental fatigue that seems to have affected a large percentage of people.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I know that there are difficulties. Unfortunately, the energy crisis was added to these two-year crises. But our position was and remains that no one is alone, we will not leave anyone behind.

We will continue the support measures, so that regularity finds us ready for a new beginning.

The country is currently on a dynamic recovery trajectory, but at the same time facing significant shocks from effects that are beyond our control and I am referring mainly to the large increases in energy and electricity prices.

But this temporary turmoil should in no way invalidate the big picture.

The big picture is that the Greek economy will be one of the champions in growth in 2021. I believe that the same will apply in 2022.

Unemployment is declining very fast. We have the largest reduction in unemployment in Europe.

Disposable income has improved significantly.

The government has been completely consistent in implementing its election program.

It has reduced taxes, reduced insurance contributions and the country is becoming an attractive destination for very important foreign capital, creating – and in this way – many new jobs.

Therefore, the direction of the country is clearly positive.

I believe that we have left behind an extremely difficult decade for good.

That is, the Greece of 2022 has nothing to do with the Greece of 2012, 2015, 2019.

I would say that we have every right, despite the difficulties, to be optimistic.

I believe we are at the beginning of the end of this health nightmare we experienced.

With these thoughts I wish you a good year, with health above all and all the best.

Thank you again.