Day after day Brazil faces an increase in cases confirmed by the new coronavirus (COVID-19), and the main recommendations of experts have been to avoid agglomerations. This guidance has led many companies to release their employees to make a home office. 

Globally, the impacts of this pandemic have affected not only the economy but also society at large. As for the corporate and startup market, check out some tips on how your team can adapt to remote work.

Current Context of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), COVID-19 is an infectious disease discovered in 2019 by the Coronavirus (CoV) family – a long chain of viruses that causes diseases such as common colds or more serious diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). 

The main signs of infection include:

• Respiratory problems; 
• Fever; 
• Cough; 
• Sore throats; 
• Difficulty swallowing (the process of passing food from the mouth to the stomach). 

The disease already has the status of pandemic (widely disseminated epidemic) and its impacts are noticeable in economic and social aspects. 

You can follow all the details regarding the evolution of the disease and its combat on the Website of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Integrated Health Surveillance Platform of the Ministry of Health (IVIS). 

Until the publication of this article, there is still no cure for COVID-19, nor a vaccine for prevention. Therefore, the main factor of concern today about the virus is its high transmission rate.

Recommendations of the Ministry of Health

Although with a low mortality rate, the ability to the contagion of the virus is high, especially in scenarios of high social conglomeration. 

Given all the information we have, we know that the best way to avoid contracting the virus is to avoid social contact. But what else is recommended to take care of health?

• Always sanitize your hands. Wash with soap and, whenever possible, use gel alcohol. But remember: gel alcohol creates an antiseptic film on the hair, but does not replace the effectiveness of washing your hands; 
• Avoid greeting people with hugs, kisses, and handshakes; 
• When coughing or sneezing, always cover with the mouth and nose with the inner side of the elbow. If possible, use a disposable handkerchief; 
• Try not to make trips, national or international; 
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

These are just some of the practical recommendations of the Ministry of Health for prevention against the virus. But beyond these details, and due to the inability of health systems to deal with a huge number of sick people who need care, the Ministry of Health stresses that the main component to delay contamination is to isolate ourselves. 

Therefore, one of the great appeals of the who and the Brazilian Ministry of Health has been to avoid environments with the concentration of people. Soon, numerous companies have made the quarantine membership, allowing their employees to work remotely.

Remote work and tips for home office 

With the growth of confirmed cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Brazil, which we have followed in recent days, one of the main recommendations has been to avoid places with a high concentration of people. As a result, many companies have adhered to distance working methods, home office. This is a prudent action that actively contributes to mitigating greater social and economic consequences. 

Today, in the Brazilian scenario, it is common for startups to be accustomed to remote work routines. Often these companies are born with this value. Building a park of machines and infrastructure ready for this scenario. Besides, of course, they have professionals used to dealing with this work model.  

For companies that already have this culture, it is common to organize themselves in routines that, for example, allow the alignment of recurrent tasks, more effective communication among other aspects.

1. Rapid technological adaptation 

Given the needs created by the remote work format, there must be a rapid technological adaptation of the tools offered to employees and customers. Questions such as “Is it feasible to perform activities at home?” or even “Do employees have all the necessary components for a home office routine?” should be mapped and mitigated by managers. 

2. Communication is everything 

Determine a clear communication strategy that serves not only your employees effectively, but also your customers. Single channels often simplify communication management. Prioritize video calls or phone calls. 

3. Leadership must be present 

Leaders need to clear up the pace of the remote operation. Combine routines, deadlines, and channels for follow-up in the resolution of doubts. 

4. Keep the routine normal 

Even at home, it’s important to pursue a routine close to the one you’d have when you’re in the office. Avoid the day of pajamas, escape from the sofa or bed, and respect your schedules. Do not overwork, do not give up lunchtime or moments of rest. 

5. Take care of the quality of life 

Book break moments for work at home. The day worked at home can be the ideal environment for focus. After all, it lacks the organic dynamics of an office. However, have moments to drink water, have a snack and stretch your body. 

6. Be patient 

All change processes require adaptation and effort to deal with the challenges that arise. Share experiences and chat with colleagues and managers. Initiatives such as an online happy hour, for example, can contribute to a lighter adaptation. 

7. Count on tools for point management 

Some companies already have point management software with the possibility of online management. And these contribute to adequate management of the hours worked by employees. Running away from the routine can cause forgetfulness, so schedule schedules on your smartphone alarm clock.