The world is facing its biggest public health crisis in over a century and one that is having an extraordinary impact on all our lives. In order to effectively deal with this unprecedent global pandemic we require close collaboration between governments, corporates and society at large. Mahindra’s immediate concern is the health and safety of its employees and associates. To that end, the Group already has implemented Work From Home since the past week. Rest assured that the company is continually assessing the situation and taking strong, decisive action as the circumstances demand.

In these past few days, we have learnt what it is like to work from home, while striving to remain productive and in contact with our colleagues. The old rules no longer hold true. This is a new situation for all of us, and we are all learning as we go along. Alongside, we are also dealing with stress and confusion regarding the virus, its spread, and what we must do to flatten the curve. In this article, we would like to bust some myths about COVID-19.

Myth 1: Coronavirus dies in hot/cold climates and at high/low temperatures.

Fact- The virus can be transmitted in all kinds of temperatures. Drinking hot/cold liquids or having hot/cold baths doesn’t kill the virus.

Myth 2: Mosquitoes transmit the virus.

Fact- COVID-19 is an airborne disease transmitted through an infected person's body fluids (cough, sneeze, etc.)

Myth 3: Hand dryers can kill the coronavirus.

Fact- Only washing your hands, including between your fingers for 20 seconds, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can kill the virus.

Myth 4: Ultraviolet lamps can kill the virus.

Fact- UV radiation harms you.

Myth 5: Thermal scanners can help detect infected people.

Fact- Thermal scanners can only detect whether the infected person has a fever. Many infected people may not have a fever. Some asymptomatic people can be carriers without ever being ill themselves.

Strive to get your updates from authentic sources like the World Health Organization website or from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare – India. These websites have the latest data on the pandemic. For vital information and constant company updates about the pandemic, please visit our microsite. It provides all the latest information, best practices and any changes to our policies. Most importantly Stay Home and Stay Safe.

Mr. Anand Mahindra, the Chairman of the Mahindra Group, has announced a series of initiatives to help the country in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. They include leveraging the Group’s production facilities and expertise to manufacture ventilators, donating his salary to help those most likely to suffer the financial fallout of the pandemic, and the use of Mahindra Holidays resorts across India as temporary care facilities. With the country short of facilities to test and quarantine the victims of this pandemic, he also announced that the project teams at Mahindra will assist the Government and the Indian Army in building temporary care facilities.

Earlier today, Dr Pawan Goenka, Managing Director, Mahindra & Mahindra, tweeted that the Group has formulated a two-pronged strategy to manufacture much needed ventilators at short notice. “At one end, we along with two large PSUs are working with an existing manufacturer of high spec ventilators to help them to simplify design and scale up capacity.

On the other end, the Group is working on an automated version of the Bag Valve Mask ventilator (commonly known as Ambu bag),” he tweeted. “We hope to have a prototype ready in three days for approval. Once proven this design will be made available to all for manufacturing.”

Commenting on the development, Mr Mahindra said, “These are sophisticated machines costing between Rs5 to 10 lakh. This device is an interim lifesaver & the team estimates it will cost below Rs7,500.”

Mr. Mahindra also announced his decision to create a fund through the Mahindra Foundation to assist the hardest hit in its value chain, both small businesses and the self-employed. Besides announcing his decision to donate 100 percent of his salary to the COVID-19 fund, the Chairman also encouraged his colleagues to voluntarily contribute to the fund.

The coronavirus pandemic has created an unprecedented situation with the country and many parts of the world under lockdown. Consequently, many organizations including the Mahindra Group have taken the lead to implement ‘Work from Home’ (WFH) policies. This unanticipated breakdown of conventional work culture demands a radical rethinking of workplace policies and practices.

Productivity and time management are the usual casualties of working remotely. But with health ministry guidelines advising total shutdown, WFH is here to stay for the conceivable future. Here are a few tips that might help you to manage your time better, thereby maximizing productivity.

1. Have a specific ‘work’ space
We know space is at a premium in most homes. But if you can organize one space – even if it’s only a desk in a corner – as your ‘work area’, you will find yourself being productive. Keep all your gear there – laptop, cell phone, chargers, pens, note paper, etc.

2. Plan your day
Plan your work day. Make a list of tasks / targets for each day. Prioritize your tasks and don’t forget to slot in some time for contingencies that might crop up.

3. Minimize interruptions
We get it. Children are at home too. So are your elderly parents. The TV is on. There are demands on your time that would not have been there had you been at work. Co-opt your spouse. Lay out a routine schedule for both of you – childcare, meals, whatever needs your attention should be divided to suit both your schedules. Use noise cancelling headphones if necessary.

4. Avoid personal chores during professional hours
You may be working from home but the operative word is ‘work’. The latest episode of your favourite web series can wait until the evening. So can a chat session with your neighbour. Lay down some ground rules for your family and follow them yourself.

5. Dress as if you are going to work
It is tempting to relax your routine schedule and just log in to work in your pyjamas. However, studies have shown that taking a shower and dressing up as if you were going to work makes you more productive.

Above all, stay safe and follow all health guidelines sent out by the medical community.