Lessons by a tiny Virus.

A pandemic hits the globe and forces almost all the nations to complete lock down. People are getting infected, hospitals are overloaded, schools are shut, factories are closed, stock markets crashing. It is a panic situation everywhere. This tiny little virus COVID 19 has literally brought the entire human civilization into its knees. The pandemic brutally breaks our ego and tells us that everything is not in our control. This is a humbling experience for the human race.

These are hard times for every nation, but there is a bright side to this as well. The current crisis is uniting the entire humanity in a very strange way. Political differences are forgotten, bilateral issues are ignored, countries are coordinating and helping each other like never before. People are connecting with each other in many amazing ways. Incidents like Italians singing on their balconies, Indians clapping for their COVID fighters – will be etched in our memories forever.

In the times of self-isolation and social distancing we realize the value of society and the people. Thanks to the internet and the gadgets of communication. We are staying connected.

Our everyday routine is shattered. It is time to re-think and re-evaluate our habits. Our weeks used to be loaded with work and many other activities like going to the theater, gym, shopping mall, restaurant, bar, birthday party, festival, concert and many more. Suddenly all these are forbidden, and life still goes on. We are learning to utilize our free time more wisely staying at home with the family. Soon we will realize how many non-essential activities kept us busy for so long.

Companies are also evolving. Work from home has become the new normal, employees are working without much interventions from the superiors. Options for virtual conferencing was present before, but this tiny virus compelled us to use this technology much efficiently. We are forced into an innovation mode. Schools are continuing classes online. Auto drivers turning into delivery agents. Everyone is trying to innovate, it will be interesting to see if the speed of innovation continues after this crisis is over.

How Mahindra group is contributing to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic:-

As the country is facing acute shortage of the lifesaving ventilators, our automotive division has developed an affordable indigenous ventilator prototype in less than 48 hours. Mass production of ventilators will start as soon as necessary approvals are given.

Mahindra Logistics is offering free emergency cab service ALYTE in Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata. Focusing on senior citizens, disabled and expecting mothers.

Another team of Mahindra employees procured license for Sanitizers and started production of Mahindra branded Hand Sanitizers.

Mahindra also comes out with a simple design of Face Shield which is being used by medical service providers across India. Currently these Face Shields are being made from 8 plants.

We have opened our kitchens at 10 locations to feed the poor and migrant workers amid the lock down. Mahindra kitchens are supplying more than 50,000 meals, 10,000 rations every week.

Team Powerol's special COVID 19 service team is working round the clock to make sure all emergency services remain uninterrupted. We are providing continuous power backup to Hospitals, Corona Treatment Wards and Labs by commissioning Gensets. Telecom service team working round the clock to keep the sites up and ensure uninterrupted mobile connectivity.

Work from Home: How to make it interesting

Every office goer at some point in their lives has thought of working from home. Working from home was considered as a special benefit our kind bosses allowed occasionally. While most software companies had the work from home policy long before the COVID-19 crisis, rest of the organisations were not fully ready for it. The current situation is completely different though, the entire country is under lock down and most of us do not have the option of going to work, until the situation normalizes. Lakhs of employees are working from home for the first time in their lives.

Below is a compilation of some great tips for efficient work from home.

§  Start early: Don't be lazy, get up early freshen up and hit the laptop. Remember, while working from home you are your worst enemy, you don't feel the pressure of getting things done, you may end up doing less. It is even better if you look at your to-do list as soon as you get up.

§  Think that you are going to office: Your mind tends to relax while you are at home, you are used to this for years. This needs to change while you are working from home. Try to do all the things you used to do during office going. We suggest, wear your office clothes.

§  Find a space dedicated to work: Get out of the couch or bed or from all those spaces which you are using for leisure. Dedicate a specific place for work. Remind yourself that you are in work.

§  Don't mess around in Social Media: You know what it is, do we need to explain?

§  Do more than usual: Commit yourself to provide more output than usual. In the office, you may have many distractions like unnecessary coffee breaks, chit chat with colleagues etc. You have a focused time at home, make full use of it.

§  Learn to change modes: While working from home, you may face distraction from your wife, kids, neighbors etc. Use this pressure to stay focused. You may choose to ignore your neighbors but give time to your wife and kids. But quickly get back to work mode.

§  Stay connected: While working from home, you may feel disconnected from the business. Messaging tools, video conference tools make it easy to check with your colleagues. So be in touch.

§  Take a break: Do not overload yourself too much, plan your breaks beforehand and get away from the computer. Use this time to eat your food, make personal calls, and check your social media accounts. These breaks will recharge you and make you more productive.

§  Take special precaution for preventing the Corona virus pandemic: Please ensure that you and your family is following the safety tips.

• Keep yourself physically fit: Do not sit continuously for long hours. Practice some of the basic yoga poses. Add meditation to your daily routine and witness the power of body, mind and soul coming together.