Author: Wed, 2020-03-18 00:15 RIYADH: In line with the precautionary measures taken by the Saudi government to contain the spread of coronavirus, many private sector companies have allowed their employees to work from home or work on rotation in shifts, strengthening health protocols. With a number of companies providing work-from-home solutions to reduce the risk of contracting coronavirus and help the government combat the spread of the virus, private sector employees welcomed the decision as a much-needed relief. Mohammed Aslam Jameel, a travel supervisor at Global Travel Solutions, Riyadh told Arab News: “The emergency has led to flight suspensions and this requires constant tracking and frequent changes in bookings, to ensure travelers’ safe return to the Kingdom. “I appreciate my company and clients for taking the initiative to implement the decision of working from home, thereby providing the infrastructure as well as round-the-clock cooperation from clients in and out of the Kingdom or even reducing working hours to 4-6 hours for those going to office on rotation,” he said, adding “with high standards of hygiene being maintained, this also ensures our health and safety.”  Zakir Azmi, head of translation at a firm in Riyadh, said: “Preventive measures being taken by the Saudi authorities are commendable. It is the duty of citizens and expatriates to abide by the procedures set by the authorities. One of such measures is to limit gatherings and people-to-people interaction. “In compliance with government measures to contain the coronavirus, ‘work-from-home’ policies are a vital step,” he added.FASTFACT The government has requested companies to quarantine expat workers for 14 days following their arrival from vacation. Families of private sector employees are also relieved at the policy shifts. Arshin Fathima, a homemaker in Riyadh, told Arab News: “It is highly appreciated that the government is taking all measures to contain the virus, and the private sector is allowing leniency for employees taking the utmost precaution to combat this pandemic at the earliest opportunity. “I feel proud that we are contributing with our efforts as a country that cares for its citizens and residents’ well-being,” she added. Commenting on work-from-home solutions, Avaya, a US multinational technology company operating in the Kingdom, said: “In line with the precautionary measures taken by the Kingdom to combat the spread of coronavirus, Avaya, the contact center and collaboration solutions provider to government and private sector organizations, has confirmed that the company is working in close collaboration with its Saudi partners on smart remote/home agent solutions.” Zouheir Diab, managing director of Avaya in Saudi Arabia, commended the Saudi government for showing leadership in utilizing technology to ensure that vital support services remain unaffected. “Given the concerns around the spread of the virus, Saudi Arabia is rightly making the health and safety of employees a top priority,” he said. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: China CoronavirusCOVID-19 Stay-at-home order a relief for Saudi government workersSaudi Arabia suspends government work