Working Remotely Amidst a Health Crisis

2020 was supposed to start with a bang. A new decade filled with massive economic opportunities and growth. However, it became the biggest test of companies in terms of how to ensure employee safety globally. As of writing, the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) has been seen in 28 countries with over 43,000 confirmed cases and unfortunately, over 1,000 deaths.

The last time the world saw a global health scare was in 2003 during the SARS epidemic which infected around 8,000 people with a 9.6% mortality rate. Fortunately, medical technology and outbreak control has vastly improved in the last 17 years thus improving survivability of those infected by Covid-19.

As such, the current novel coronavirus can teach the global community a valuable lesson. It highlights the importance of employee health and jobs as well as how businesses can continue in amidst a global health crisis.

Now, what are some of the advises that the World Health Organization (WHO) has given to stop the spread of the virus? The WHO advices to practice standard hygiene measures such as covering your moth and nose while coughing, wearing masks and personal protective equipment, washing your hands thoroughly and avoiding close contact with those who are sick. Employers may say that their employees are not sick and should come to the office but this may be a mistake as Covid-19 has an incubation period of 14 to 24 days. So, the next question would be how will the business continue to run if no one wants to come to the office due to the fear of Covid-19? Simple. Work remotely.

In China, companies are opting for their staff to work remotely as the government has implemented a lockdown to limit the spread of Covid-19. However, some companies are weary of allowing their staff to work from home as they fear that they may be unproductive. However, we believe that with the right mentality, companies can make remote work a success.

Below are some key factors organizations need to remember when considering a remote working policy.

1. Management Support

Employees are more inclined to work from home if they are given permission or told so directly by their supervisors.

2. Work Design

What is expected from the employees if they are working from home? When do they have to deliver the work by? Supervisors should be clear on what the employee has to deliver on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.

3. Digital Technology

The company can use numerous platforms to hold meetings via VoIP which do not require a physical presence. Having the team agree on which tools to use during and after working hours helps set work and personal time boundaries.

4. Healthy Workplace

Does your organization’s culture also include elements of a healthy workplace? This could refer to a broad spectrum of policies and actual services, from health insurance and benefits to being able to take sick-leave without fear of retribution or stigma, because this is the right thing to do for the health of the employee, the team members and the benefit of the organization.

5. Open Communication

Organizations should be fair, honest and transparent to their staff and vice versa. When there is open communication between a remote worker and the company, trust will be built.

6. Self-Discipline

Employees should have the self-discipline to be able to deliver their work on time. This is because working in a remote environment poses different distractions.

In conclusion, as the world’s governments try to fight and control the spread of Covid-19, companies and employers should do their part to ensure that their workforce is safe and healthy while being able to maintain the operations of the company through the use of remote workers.

Slasify can help your company establish a remote team quickly and efficiently in this time of crisis. Slasify has a talent network of over 10,000 people to assist your company to deploy talents remotely (especially in Greater China and Southeast Asia). Slasify can also improve the trust, daily operations, skill sets match, and cross-border obstacles to provide reliable services between profession experts and clients.