• Published on: Aug 03, 2021
  • 2 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Pulmonologist

What Is Mucormycosis & COVID-19 Associated With Mucormycosis ?

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Mucormycosis is a rare but serious infectious disease that can be caused by inhaling spores from the ubiquitous fungi. These organisms, commonly found in soil and composts are also present on fallen leaves or animal dung. Less contagious than other types of infections, mucormycosis mainly affects people who have weakened immune systems because it cannot spread like others that do not need an outside source to enter one's body via open wounds or cuts. Mucoromyces mean "fuzz," which describes their appearance when seen under a microscope with long branching filaments called pseudohistiocysts arising off these branched threads (hyphae).

Mucormycosis is a rare but serious angio-invasive infection caused by ubiquitous fungi. The spores of these fungi can be inhaled and then infect the lungs, sinuses, or extend into brain tissue to cause mucormycosis in people who are immunocompromised. Mucoromyces has been found all over Earth with it mainly affecting those living on farms due to contact from animal dung containing high quantities of this fungus type as well as compost piles where fresh manure falls leaves cover vegetable gardening beds that may have fallen nearby leading most cases occurring near woodland areas such before dorms at college campuses were previously thought responsible for respiratory infections since they might contain bacteria like tuberculosis which also needs oxygenated.

Fungal infections, including mucormycosis, aspergillosis and invasive candidiasis, have been reported in patients with severe COVID-19 or those recovering from the disease and are associated with a high risk of serious illness. India has recently seen an increase in cases that present this way when compared to other countries where these types of fungus thrive. Prevention needs to focus on making sure people who suffer from Covid-19 maintain better glycemic control so they do not develop any fungal infection like Mucoromyces Cerealis (a subtype found more often outside India) which can cause pneumonia if untreated or brain damage if left too long without treatment because it is resistant both systemic corticosteroids/other.

Mucormycosis, an invasive fungal infection that can lead to death, has been reported in patients with severe COVID-19. The Indian government recently noted a surge of cases and the spread of this dangerous condition is attributed largely to poor glycemic control among those living with the disease or recovering from it.

Fungal infections, including mucormycosis and invasive candidiasis, have been reported in patients with severe COVID-19 or those recovering from the disease. India has seen an uptick of cases due to fungal infection caused by COVID-19 along with a surge in people who are severely affected because they were not diagnosed early on while fighting off the virus. Prevention for this type of fungus is increased monitoring when trying to apply systemic corticosteroids/other immunomodulating drugs on these patients just as much as it would be if there was no sign that someone had ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome).

Mucormycosis is not contagious and does not spread by contact from person to person. This fungus has been found in the environment, but transmission occurs through inhalation or ingestion of spores from the environment. Although most cases are sporadic, healthcare-associated outbreaks have occurred after the use of adhesive bandages made out wood tongue depressors as well as linens with lackadaisical hygiene standards at hospitals that result in fungal exposure on surfaces like walls and floors which can lead to airborne infection if those areas aren't properly cleaned up soon enough. Mucormicosis primarily affects sinuses or lungs after inhaling spores from air when it's breathed directly into them.

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Employee Wall

Employee Wall of Fame: Celebrating Uniqueness to Build a Positive Workplace Culture

In today’s evolving workplaces, employee engagement is no longer driven solely by compensation or job titles. People seek recognition, inclusion and a sense of belonging. One of the most effective yet simple ways to achieve this is through an Employee Wall of Fame. By celebrating individuality and contribution, organisations can create a culture where employees feel seen, valued and motivated.

Recognition is not a luxury. It is a fundamental driver of organisational wellbeing and performance.

 

Why Recognition Matters in the Workplace

Recognition fulfills a basic human need: appreciation.

When employees feel recognised:

  • morale improves

  • motivation increases

  • loyalty strengthens

  • burnout reduces

According to global workplace studies, lack of recognition is one of the top reasons for employee disengagement.

 

What Is an Employee Wall of Fame?

An Employee Wall of Fame is a physical or digital space dedicated to highlighting employees for their achievements, values, creativity or unique strengths.

It may showcase:

  • professional accomplishments

  • teamwork contributions

  • innovation and problem-solving

  • leadership qualities

  • personal milestones

The focus is not competition, but appreciation.

 

Celebrating Uniqueness, Not Just Performance

Traditional recognition often focuses only on targets or numbers.

A Wall of Fame expands recognition to include:

  • collaboration

  • consistency

  • empathy

  • creativity

  • positive attitude

This approach ensures diverse strengths are valued.

 

Psychological Impact of Workplace Recognition

Recognition positively affects mental health.

Benefits include:

  • improved self-esteem

  • reduced stress

  • increased sense of purpose

  • stronger emotional connection to work

WHO recognises psychosocial wellbeing as a key component of healthy workplaces.

 

Inclusion and Belonging Through Recognition

Celebrating uniqueness supports inclusion.

It helps:

  • recognise diverse backgrounds

  • reduce bias

  • promote equal visibility

When employees see people like themselves being appreciated, trust and belonging grow.

 

Employee Wall of Fame as a Culture-Building Tool

Culture is shaped by what organisations choose to celebrate.

A visible Wall of Fame:

  • reinforces company values

  • sets behavioural standards

  • inspires others

It becomes a living reflection of organisational culture.

 

Types of Recognition on a Wall of Fame

Achievement-Based Recognition

For milestones, project success or innovation.

Value-Based Recognition

For demonstrating company values such as integrity or teamwork.

Peer Recognition

Employees nominate colleagues, increasing engagement.

Personal Growth Recognition

Celebrating learning, upskilling or personal achievements.

 

How an Employee Wall of Fame Improves Engagement

Engaged employees:

  • perform better

  • collaborate more

  • stay longer

EY-FICCI workplace studies show recognition-driven programs significantly improve engagement scores.

 

Impact on Productivity and Performance

Recognition creates positive reinforcement.

Employees who feel valued:

  • take ownership of work

  • show initiative

  • maintain consistency

Appreciation fuels sustained performance.

 

Supporting Mental Wellbeing at Work

Recognition reduces workplace stress by:

  • validating effort

  • reducing feelings of invisibility

  • encouraging positive feedback loops

Mental wellbeing improves when employees feel respected and acknowledged.

 

How to Design an Effective Employee Wall of Fame

Key principles include:

  • inclusivity

  • transparency

  • fairness

  • consistency

Clear criteria prevent bias and ensure credibility.

 

Physical vs Digital Wall of Fame

Physical Wall

Creates visual impact in office spaces.

Digital Wall

Ideal for remote or hybrid teams.

Both formats can coexist for maximum reach.

 

Frequency of Updates Matters

Stale recognition loses impact.

Best practices include:

  • monthly highlights

  • quarterly rotations

  • special occasion features

Fresh content sustains enthusiasm.

 

Role of Leadership in Recognition

Leadership participation strengthens impact.

When leaders:

  • nominate employees

  • share appreciation publicly

recognition becomes part of organisational identity.

 

Employee Participation and Ownership

Encouraging peer nominations:

  • increases engagement

  • reduces hierarchy

  • builds mutual respect

Recognition becomes a shared responsibility.

 

Measuring the Impact of Recognition Initiatives

Impact can be assessed through:

  • engagement surveys

  • retention metrics

  • feedback forms

  • participation rates

Data-driven insights help refine programs.

 

Long-Term Benefits of Celebrating Uniqueness

Over time, organisations experience:

  • stronger culture

  • higher retention

  • improved employer branding

  • healthier workplace relationships

Recognition is a long-term investment, not a one-time activity.

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid:

  • recognising only top performers

  • favouritism

  • lack of transparency

  • irregular updates

Consistency and fairness are essential.

 

Employee Wall of Fame as Part of Holistic Wellness

Recognition complements:

  • mental health initiatives

  • team-building programs

  • wellness activities

A supportive culture enhances overall wellbeing.

 

Conclusion

An Employee Wall of Fame is more than a display—it is a statement of values. By celebrating uniqueness and recognising diverse contributions, organisations create workplaces where people feel valued, motivated and connected. In an era where employee wellbeing and engagement define success, recognition-driven initiatives like a Wall of Fame play a vital role in building resilient, inclusive and high-performing teams. Celebrating people is not just good culture—it is good leadership.

 

References

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing
  • EY-FICCI – Employee Engagement and Workplace Culture Reports
  • NITI Aayog – Future of Work and Organisational Wellbeing Studies
  • Lancet – Psychosocial Work Environment Research
  • Statista – Global Employee Engagement and Recognition Trends

See all

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