I just started with my new work last Monday and admittedly it was a big huge culture shock for me. The company where I’m at now is uber conservative and formal as compared to the wild and crazy atmosphere where I came from.

But what struck me most is the almost personal way that the big bosses relate to all their employees, even with the rank and file. Like how timely that one of the bosses sent an email to everybody about the present global financial crisis and how we can deal about it as an individual.

I’m not going to post everything here since I really don’t have the guts to email him and ask if I can repost his email for all the world wide web to see. So here’s a gist of what he sent.The response to the crisis may be addressed to in three levels:

1. At individual levels, we can talk to our family members about the current financial situation and how each can contribute to the crisis at hand. And don’t forget to ask your kid’s opinion, you’ll be surprised at how much stuff school or even friends have taught them about saving and belt tightening.
2. At corporate level, as employees, we can also help by saving up on electricity, putting non-critical expenditure to hold. To avoid frills and to maximize our patronage of our own merchants will go a long way.
3. At national level, as citizens of this country, of what we can do to help out. It’s tiring (at least for me) to keep on pointing fingers at others as to why we’re experiencing these crisis. Its high time to think of what we can do to help and focus our efforts on it. Just like the 2nd level, patronizing Philippine made products will definitely keep more Filipinos in their jobs. I know, sometimes, imported goods are cheaper but a peso or two difference will go a long way. Just like what the boss shared in his email, instead of patronizing mineral water from Malaysia, served in an uppity resto, ask for a local product. Conserving energy, just like my BAD post last year, and avoiding wasteful consumption will go a long way to help our country.

Aside from all of this, we should remain calm at all times. Panicking WILL NOT help. And save up as much as three months worth of family expenses.

Its been a while since we ate at our favorite fast food chain and went malling, its one of the steps we thought of to belt tightening. We also spend a lot of time outdoors, when its not raining, so that the little girl gets to play with other kids in the complex and we get to save on electricity, too.

And instead of bringing the car (employee parking is free, wee) with just me in it, I take public transpo. I also try to walk instead of riding the jeep to save up and at the same time, the 5 minute walk will be beneficial for my health too.

So what has all of this got to do with poverty?

If everybody becomes more pro-active in fighting poverty, instead of pointing fingers and putting the blame on the government or to anyone else, I’m sure our lives will definitely become better.

Thank you, Mr. Boss, sir. Your email has become an eye-opener for me.

Image courtesy of Corbis.com

Post from: EveryJoe

Poverty and the Global Financial Crisis