MUMBAI: There is hope, resilience, and an overwhelming we-can-overcome-it sense when all of us feared that we were headed for a cul-de-sac. Despite all the fear and uncertainty surrounding the spread of the pandemic COVID-19, there are instances worth celebrating. One such is the transition from full-time office to a work-from-home mode, which, necessitated under the circumstances, gives tiny epiphanies and new learning to organisations.

Knowing very well that many employees may find the transition hard, companies are also offering them a helping hand to cope with it. Viacom18 is prioritising employees’ safety and well-being in this crisis period. Viacom18 corporate marketing communications and sustainability head Sonia Huria says that the company has always believed that testing times like these provide them with a reason to reflect, rethink and innovate. “We have been promoting and ensuring that employees and their families practice social distancing and are working from home. Working remotely over the past week has been more of a learning than a challenge,” she says.

According to her, support within the team has risen across personal and professional levels like never before. This has given rise to a distinct sense of positivity and created a sense of belonging and dependence. She said that they have been able to identify strengths and implement processes which have never been tested before.  

“For instance - a daily VC scrum has been working extremely well. It’s quick, focussed and very action-driven. While we have always stressed on the importance of open and clear communication, we have understood the benefits of 'over-communication’ too,” she adds.

The proactive work-from-home initiative from Viacom18 seems to have sparked an increase in productivity, too. “What we have realised is that by taking away the niggling concern of contamination in a public space (through the work-from-home directive), employees are focussing on productivity and proactive closure of tasks well before deadlines. Collaboratively, the past one week has restored determination to break barriers and has strengthened the outlook of the organisation to do more, innovate, experiment and take on new challenges,” Huria states.

Having your own small working corner at home is essential to focus. BARC India is ensuring that positivity is well in check even while working from home through its #ShareYourWorkstationAtHome challenge for employees. It encourages them to share pictures of their home office.

According to a BARC India spokesperson, the environment has changed, but the dedication and commitment is intact and it continues to be the responsible and reliable currency of the broadcast industry. The spokesperson said that strong technological support and infrastructure help it to effectively serve the industry while employees work from home safely.

Working from home doesn’t have to mean boring or distracting and so it came up with this cheerful initiative. Employees across the country are participating in the challenge.

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