As work-from-home becomes the new norm amid the coronavirus pandemic, a Turkey-based digital expert said this arrangement is proving to be more productive than expected.

Once things go back to normal and cities emerge out of lockdown, firms will introduce remote working models as a regular practice, said Nabat Garakhanova, the head of a consultancy firm MEZO Digital.

“People waste their time on roads and as a result spend less time with their families,” she noted.

The work-from-home arrangement has significantly improved employees’ motivation levels, she added.

Besides, the cost of doing businesses also declined significantly due to online meetings and sales.

Even after the pandemic, companies should continue to work remotely once a week, such as on Friday, to enhance productivity, she added.

Touching on potential breach of privacy due to online applications, she said companies should install security systems on online devices.

“Thanks to the systems installed on computers, the whole working order can be taken under control; when personnel turn on the computer or how much time they spend on which programs.”

Companies can also use terminal servers, which prevent leaks, to protect their systems and devices against external attacks, she said.

However, for increasing efficiency, managers should inform employees about the working hours, so they can adjust their time accordingly, she noted.

Speaking about video conferencing software, which is a hot topic currently, she stressed social media accounts are more dangerous than video conference applications.

She noted that people should use paid applications instead of free-to-use software. “Paid applications let us buy a secure area for meetings.”

Free video conferencing software have the same risks as free public wi-fi networks, which are open for hacker attacks, she said.

The coronavirus has claimed 1,101 lives in Turkey. More than 52,000 people have been infected with the virus and nearly 3,000 have gone on to make a full recovery, according to the Health Ministry.

Global cases hit 1.8 million

The number of coronavirus cases worldwide topped the 1.8 million mark with 1,800,791 on Sunday, according to data compiled by the US’ Johns Hopkins University.

According to the figures, since the emergence of the virus in Wuhan, China last December, more than 110,892 people have died while about 412,777 have recovered.

The US is the country with the highest death toll in the world with 20,464, followed by Italy with 19,468, Spain with 19,468 and France with 13,851.

The virus has spread to at least 185 countries and regions, according to Johns Hopkins.

The virus primarily attacks the lungs and respiratory system. Most who become infected experience moderate symptoms, but it can be especially fatal for the elderly and those with preexisting conditions like hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and asthma.

Several efforts are being made to develop a vaccine, but experts believe that goal may not be reached for up to 18 months. (Anadolu)