Start seeing health as real investment – Jarrett
EARL JARRETT, chief executive officer of the Jamaica National Group, admitted that the negotiation process is usually a tough one for employers, especially as it relates to cost, productivity, and its impact on other members of staff. He said, though, that for his company, management does its best to give 100 per cent support to its employees.
“We have put in place critical illness cover, which is not only applicable to staff, but to their families because when a family member is diagnosed, it oftentimes affects the workspace as well. It is a very tough disease to deal with because it is so expensive and emotionally draining especially because there is a perception of finality to it,” he said.
“It does require some empathy from HR (human resource) and overall support from all levels. For the individuals themselves, that is a tough one. Many employees, they worry about the cost, they worry about their employment. In some instances, they just can’t manage treatment and work, and I have seen the devastation there,” he said.
Jarrett added: “At JN, we have probably erred on the side of being extremely understanding as we have been extremely flexible with employees. I don’t think we have used any sort of criteria to determine flexibility. We just respond to the people once they are a part of the JN team. We tend to be as supportive as we possibly can.”
But even while JN is exercising flexibility where its employees are concerned. Jarrett is urging more Jamaicans to be more responsible in managing their health.
“We have to start treating health as a real investment and start putting away some money for health savings,” he said.
Jarrett further stressed the importance of early detection through access to mammography screening and self-examination.