The local grocery store is also prepared in the event that the worst comes to the worst. It has already been proven in the Corona period that you can provide care in crises. Hence the call to go shopping as calmly and normally as usual, it was called at the APA.
The Spar group has reactivated a “mobile intervention force” that was already installed in the first lockdown, says company spokeswoman Nicole Berkmann. Around 140 people are available here in the event that several or many employees are absent at various points in the company – from the warehouse to logistics to the markets – “Wherever there is a short-term lack of staff,” explains Berkmann.
The discounter Hofer said that the situation was constantly being monitored. If necessary, the current measures – hygiene measures, safety standards, raising customer awareness – would be adapted accordingly. “Of course there is always something to learn in challenging times like these,” says Hofer boss Horst Leitner. “One of the most important lessons learned is that we can cope with the demanding situation very well with a high degree of cohesion, understanding and commitment.” This applies not only to his company, but also to the entire, close-knit network with its partners – “a guarantee for the existing security of supply,” said Leitner.
Hofer relies on contact reduction
In the Hofer headquarters in Sattledt and in the branches, extensive measures to reduce contact are still being implemented. On the spot, work will be carried out in two groups. Meetings are held via video conferencing – both internally and, in the vast majority of cases, with suppliers. According to his information, the discounter is also continuously optimizing processes and personnel procedures in the branches in order to maintain operations with a reduced team if necessary.
Rewe with its Billa, Penny, Bipa and Adeg stores is also preparing itself in its internal crisis teams “for possible scenarios with regard to the new Omikron variant, which can be adapted to the situation”. There is an ongoing exchange with the responsible authorities. It is about a secure food supply and the health of employees and customers.
Step-by-step plans drawn up
Depending on the corporate division, step-by-step plans were drawn up in which measures such as the closest possible 3-G controls, FFP2 mask requirement, and if necessary, access restrictions for customers. The access restrictions were already regulated by the issue of shopping carts. Central employees work from home wherever they can. “Alles Gurgelt” is used for employees in shops in Vienna. In logistics, the teams are divided for personnel planning in the stores, Springer teams – also a “mobile reaction force” – are ready for action.
According to the information provided there, the preventive measures at Lidl have worked well. “With regard to the more contagious Omikron variant, there are also emergency plans for potential, large-scale failures in the branches and logistics centers in order to continue to ensure our operations and thus the supply.” So the discounters are prepared. If necessary, necessary measures would be initiated quickly.
Hofer and Rewe also announced that they are offering their employees the vaccination. At Hofer this is “well accepted”, it said. A vaccination campaign was set up at Rewe in order to reach as many of the approximately 47,000 employees as possible. The booster vaccination will also be offered from the beginning of January.
Source: Nachrichten
