I was chatting via skype with my friend in the Philippines asking how they are doing. As you know, the Philippines was recently hit by Typhoon Ondoy (international name Ketsana) and two more Typhoons are arriving (Typhoon Parma over the weekend). I was surprised to find out that while everyone else in their building was being sent home to prevent casualties, their office are firm about not letting them go home until 5:30 p.m.

Being a manager, I understand the company’s side of that. However, and in general, safety of the people should always come first. There’s no use in keeping an entire floor of panicking people on hold in the office. They’re pretty much unproductive by that time so it’s quite useless already. Besides, no amount of insurances, like the cheap term life insurance that they provide for their employees, could compensate for the life and/or safety of a person.

Anyway, my friend just skyped me from home informing me that she had a hard time finding transportation but is now safe. I hope everyone in their office gets home safely and stays safe.