It is extremely important that we follow the recommendations of physicians and those in charge in this situation and act responsibly both as companies and as individuals.
In a series of interviews in with representatives of the economic sector in Serbia, the director of Nova Sloga points out that, given the circumstances, the safety and health of employees are at the forefront because they are an invaluable resource.
“I think it is important to be in solidarity with all the people affected by this situation. Our doctors, medical staff and all employees in the sector are in the front lines.Therefore, we donated 23,000 bottles of Mg Mivela water, which is naturally rich in magnesium, to employees of the clinical centres in Belgrade, Vojvodina, Kragujevac and Niš, ”says Dragana Puzović.
How did you organize your business activities? How is communication with your clients going and what do you think the Government could do to preserve the Serbian economy?
Our company’s production activities are carried out according to the planned operating regime, we regularly deliver goods to our customers in Serbia and abroad and strive to align our business with the new situation. In that sense, we also have support and assistance from the Fortenova Group, under which we operate and with which we communicate daily. Given the circumstances, the safety and health of our employees are at the forefront, as they are an invaluable resource. Human life is something of the highest value and is, therefore, a priority for our company.
Accordingly, we fully adhere to all government and line ministries’ measures and recommendations. Our production employees have everything they need – gloves and masks – and they work in two shifts between which we disinfect their working space. Considering that this is a food industry, hygiene standards are very high even under regular conditions. We have introduced additional procedures in terms of movement and behaviour of drivers coming to our factory. Our sales and logistics activities in the field are also organized in alignment with the implementation of all required measures prescribed by the competent authorities and recommendations given by the profession. Some of our employees are working from home due to the nature of their work.
In terms of cooperation with the competent institutions, the invaluable support that the production companies have received from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia which supplies us with all the necessary information in real-time, makes it easier for us to organize our business. We hope that this support will remain until the end of the current situation.
How important is it for companies to stand in solidarity and support and donate to the healthcare system?
I think it is important to be in solidarity with all the people affected by this situation. Our doctors, medical staff and all employees in the sector are in the front lines. That is why we donated 23,000 bottles of Mg Mivela water, which is naturally rich in magnesium, to the staff of the clinical centres in Belgrade, Vojvodina, Kragujevac and Niš.
However, in addition to direct support, through donations, it is extremely important that we follow the recommendations of physicians and those in charge in this situation and act responsibly both as companies and as individuals. This is why I would like to use this opportunity to urge everyone to stay at home if their job allows them to do so and to wait patiently for this situation to pass.
How are you spending your private time during the pandemic?
Probably like most of our fellow citizens – one part of the day is spent on work, while the rest on my family. I use this situation to devote myself to things that I normally do not have enough time for, namely, I read, cook, watch movies, etc.
What will you do first after the state of emergency is cancelled?
When it comes to Nova Sloga, we will, first and foremost, continue with the activities that due to this situation had to be temporarily put on hold. We plan is to invest in production capacities. We expect new equipment to arrive that will improve our productivity level. Privately, I plan to replace video calls and messages with real encounters.
