Pandemic Triggers Demand for Completely Novel Actions, according to Anar Zhumagulova, Beeline Kazakhstan

Beeline Kazakhstan Shifts Focus to Immediate Assistance During Pandemic

In response to the global crisis, Beeline Kazakhstan has reoriented its corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts towards providing immediate assistance during the pandemic.

The telecommunications company has taken significant steps to support various sectors, including medical workers, educators, and citizens in need. One of their initiatives involves offering free communication and internet services to medical workers, as well as providing open access to educational and government resources. Teachers have also benefited from preferential rates.

Recognising the need for targeted social assistance, Beeline Kazakhstan has announced plans to launch the "Social Wallet" program in 2026. This program will provide assistance based on household income, with increased benefits for families with children and initiatives like the "National Fund for Children" to address social support demands.

Beeline Kazakhstan's commitment to social responsibility has been acknowledged on a global scale. In 2020, the company's Chief Human Resources Officer, Tahmina Kodiri, was named the best HRD in the CIS at the HR Summit Russia & CIS. Beeline Kazakhstan was also ranked among the top 3 companies with the best HR practices in Kazakhstan by the Association of HR Managers of Kazakhstan.

In line with a new global trend in CSR, Beeline Kazakhstan has launched digital products such as the Doctor Online mobile app for 24/7 consultations, recommendations, and medication prescriptions. The company's Big Data department has also initiated a project to process anonymized data to track citizens' movements during the state of emergency.

Beeline Kazakhstan has not only focused on digital initiatives but has also taken practical steps to support its employees and the community. The company delivered office equipment to employees' homes to help them set up comfortable home offices. Pensioners and people with disabilities have been exempted from mobile communication fees.

To support flood victims, Beeline allocated over 800 million tenge to build 50 houses in the new Mirzakent microdistrict. The company has also made early payments to contractors involved in construction to ensure job retention.

In an effort to support schools, Beeline provided free high-speed internet to centres for the treatment and adaptation of children with disabilities during the pandemic. Beeline Academy, which includes schools of Robotics and Programming, and programming courses for the children of employees, has been launched to foster digital literacy.

In recognition of the importance of job preservation and stability during these challenging times, Beeline Kazakhstan provided a six-month free trial of a virtual office suite to corporate clients. The results of the company's employee support program during the quarantine showed a significant decrease in employee anxiety levels and an increase in the readiness to recommend Beeline as an employer.

According to a study, the top priorities for social responsibility during the pandemic were job preservation, stability of wage payments, provision of protective equipment, assistance in equipping schools with computer equipment, and purchase of equipment for hospitals and volunteers. Beeline Kazakhstan's initiatives align closely with these priorities, demonstrating their commitment to the well-being of their employees, customers, and the community.

The Edelman Special Report highlights that more than 70% of respondents will permanently lose trust in companies that tried to profit from the situation instead of helping people. Beeline Kazakhstan's actions during the pandemic reflect a clear commitment to prioritising people over profits, earning them respect and trust from the community.

Beeline Kazakhstan has allocated over 1.5 billion tenge for CSR beyond the planned budget this year, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to making a positive impact in Kazakhstan during these challenging times. The company plans to continue all its current projects, with a focus on using digital capabilities, and will analyze research and monitor societal needs for future CSR projects.

Pandemic Triggers Demand for Completely Novel Actions, according to Anar Zhumagulova, Beeline Kazakhstan