Now that India is gradually moving towards normalcy, many distributors have reopened their offices.
Since threat of coronavirus still exists, you need to be careful and keep in mind these 5 things to keep yourself safe, healthy and motivated.
Avoid face-to-face meetings
It is better to continue to rely on virtual meetings. Vinod Jain of Jain Investments told Cafemutual that he doesn’t meet clients and AMC officials physically at office even if they insist on meeting. “Since things have become somewhat normal in Mumbai, many clients have expressed their willingness to meet personally to discuss their investments. However, I insist on a video call to ensure everyone’s safety.”
Upgrade knowledge
One of the easiest way to upgrade knowledge and keep yourself motivated is attending webinars. Over the last 6-7 months, webinars have emerged as a safe way to consume knowledge and develop new skills. Ensure that you attend at least two webinars a week depending on your need.
Go for a combination of office and work from home
While working from home is still the safest option considering the current environment, there has to be a balance between both office and work from home for better coordination between employer and employees. You may consider opening office on alternate days or twice a week or simply ask your employees to come on a rotational basis.
Jaipur MFD Rajesh Sodhani of Sodhani Investments did something similar as he opened his office twice a week after sanitizing. Currently, he has 28 employees who come to the office on rotation. Also, he has divided office hours in two 4-hour shifts to ensure social distancing norms within the office. In addition, employees have to change mask once they enter office premises and regularly sanitize their hands.
Follow safety precautions
Ensure that you follow all necessary safety norms like having thermal scanning at office, sanitising your office regularly and maintaining social distancing.
Bharat Bagla of Bees Network, Kolkata opened his office with a list of protocols for his 15-member team. He has been encouraging his employees to use personal vehicle for travel and avoid public transport. In fact, he has lent money to a few employees so that they can buy a car or a bike to travel to office.
He said, “We have also given an option to our employees to stay near office. We have rented an apartment next to our office with all amenities. In addition, we have been following a practice of changing clothes after coming to office from outside. Among other safety measures are checking body temperature, cooking snacks and making tea/coffee in office pantry and using separate utensils and coffee mugs. Also, we have set an hourly alarm that reminds us to wash and sanitize hands.”
Maintain mental health amid health crisis
Raj Raghunathan, a Zale Centennial Professor of Business at the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin said in a Cafemutual Confluence Investment Marathon 2020 that developing a habit of exercising is important to stay fit - both mentally and physically.
He said, “Develop a habit of exercising or stretching daily to stay mentally and physically fit. Exercising does not mean going to gym and lifting heavy weights or doing 100 push-ups. It all depends on your fitness level i.e. while a 20-minute walk is enough for some people, some people can run 15 km a day. Do whatever you can but do some bit of exercise as it will make you feel fresh all the day. Moreover, have adequate sleep for at least 7 hours and avoid overeating.”
Raj further said that you should note down three good things that have happened to you every day. This could be anything that makes you happy like meeting your grandparents, going out with friends or so on. This way, you would end your day by writing something good. It is much better than writing about incomplete task which may be stressful for you.
