MUSCAT: With the Coronavirus outbreak spreading across the world, and Oman being no exception, some of the companies have already planned to have staff work from home.  

On Sunday, the Supreme Committee announced stringent measures to combat the coronavirus. While it directed the government agencies to limit its employees to 30% at workplaces, the Committee advised private sector to introduce “work-from home” mechanism and reduce its workforce to combat the virus. 

The “advice” is not mandatory, however, firms can introduce the step of having their staff work remotely without their work being affected. “To avoid the spread of coronavirus, it is better to have private sector paying heed to the advice of the Supreme Committee. I am sure most of these firms here will look at the safety of their employees and take action,” said Senior government HR expert. 

Companies such as Omantel have already asked its employees to work from home as the novel coronavirus outbreak continues to spread in the country. Oman on Sunday confirmed 55 cases of coronavirus, of which 17 have so far recovered. 

“My company has asked some of us to work from home while few important staff have to come to office but they will stay just for half day,” said a senior executive of an Engineering firm in Oman. 

Robin Sebastian, Business Head of Mesdac Solutions, an IT-consultancy firm in Oman said his team is now working from home. “It’s better to stay at home and work. We have asked our team to stay at home. That’s the best way to protect one’s health,” he said. 

In a survey conducted by GulfTalent, businesses in Oman registered the region’s lowest rate of possible remote work at just 18 per cent.