COVID-19 pandemic and the challenge of working from home (WFH) I

The most contentious issue in the world today is the challenges facing nation’s nay mankind as a result of the outbreak of corona virus from China into the globe.  An attempt would be made to discuss in three parts the response of mankind to the challenges of congregation in one place with a view to […]

The most contentious issue in the world today is the challenges facing nation’s nay mankind as a result of the outbreak of corona virus from China into the globe.  An attempt would be made to discuss in three parts the response of mankind to the challenges of congregation in one place with a view to earning a living – work.  The part I would set out a broad framework of the challenges. Part II would explore the effectiveness and issues associated with the solutions provided by organisations – remote working and part III would discuss and conclude on the steps needed to be taken to ensure a hitch free work from home scheme.

Since the beginning of this year, 2020 when corona virus started becoming an issue in China and gradually affecting the world, several challenges have been identified and remedial measures put in place to manage or address the challenges.

One of these challenges is congregation or assembly of human beings in one place at one time due largely to the gestation period of the dieses as well as mode of spreading it among mankind.

Health issues are specialized and thus not everyone can or should delve into making comments on such subject so as not to mislead the general public.  What is important and necessary is we should all abide by the directives of relevant authorities such as the World Health Organisation and other government agencies.

Since February, I have thought of writing on the disease even before it became a pandemic but was not so sure if I should particularly when Africa and indeed Nigeria was not so affected as at that time.  With the information we have on how China managed the situation and how Europe is managing same, it became increasingly necessary that this column should if not must address the challenges pose by the virus to workers and indeed to organisations, nations and the world at large given recent statistics of infections in Africa.

With the first casualty (death) recorded this week in Abuja, the level of infections in our land and the impact of virus to our economy, it became a duty that we attempt to put our thoughts on the subject matter for the benefits of our readers particularly as it affects workers, work place and productivity.

One obvious effect and or impact of the Pandemic is loss of valuable man hour as a result of absence from duty by workers so affected.

Moreover, the Loss may even be greater when and where affected workers lose their Lives.  Critical work force and skills may be lost by an organisation and indeed a country the replacement of which could take time and cost.  It is reputed that about 40% of those who died from the virus in China are healthcare workers! One can only imagine how long it would take to replace this critical mass of skilled workers and at what cost?

The losses in man hour and lives come with attendant losses in revenues to individuals, organisations and governments.  Workers who are daily paid, faced with challenges of ill health would not be able to go out to work and earn a living.  Taxes paid to government on income would be lost.  In other climes where unemployment benefit is being paid, governments would have to make provisions to cushion the impact of the inability of citizens to go out to work and earn a living.  For example, United Kingdom announced this week a weekly unemployment benefit of GBP 94.00 per week per person!

One of the solutions to prevent spread of the virus proffered by health Professionals is Social Isolation or Seclusion.  This means that gathering of people and or physical contacts are discouraged indeed banned in some countries for a period of time.  Congregations in places of worships are banned; Restaurant, Cinemas and other places where people gather are closed including Stadia. Thus work places or offices are also affected.

Furthermore, as a result of the uncertainties presented by Corona virus pandemic many organisations (Public and Private alike) and universities have asked their employees to work remotely.  The new policies leave many employees – and their managers – working out of the office and separated from each other for the first time.  In some countries and organisations, this is not new.  Staffs of Oracle Nigeria, International Business Machine, and Hewlett Packard in Nigeria have been working remotely for years.

Although it is always preferable to establish clear remote-work policies and training in advance, in times of crisis or other rapidly changing circumstances, this level of preparation may not be feasible.

Indeed, ad hoc arrangements particularly in our environment where facilities that would enable hitch free remote working are not available, becomes a must to do.  Electricity supply is epileptic; Network strength is weak, while systems i.e computer in adequate.

When and where there is a will, there is always a way! If organisations wish to implement or introduce remote working scheme, there are several studies and materials that may be used as a reference material for organisations.  Indeed, fortunately, there are specific, research-based steps that managers can take without great effort to improve the engagement and productivity of remote employees, even when there is little time to prepare and implement a policy.

We would discuss extensively these steps in our subsequent outings for the benefit of readers.

“My Lord! Enrich me with knowledge…” (Quran 20:114) For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 2:6)