Workers remain productive on home front

Online media platform Tencent News commented, "As Chinese companies begin to restart operations, it's likely that a large number of people will be working from home."

Jiayin, an ethnic Mongolian woman living in Beijing who manages rock band F.U.N. and also works on music production projects for movies and television dramas, said, "We have to organize meetings and group discussions via online chat apps, or send our daily work content and plans through such apps.

"Working from home means not commuting... but a more comfortable environment. But bands have had to cancel many shows because of the outbreak, such as performances at music festivals, which has been a severe blow to us. Since a band needs inspiration for songs, staying at home is not a good idea, so this is a big problem right now. We also need to get together to brainstorm sometimes."

Many people have told of their experiences of working from home on social media platforms such as Sina Weibo.

One, sharing a picture of his desk, a computer, a cup of coffee and his staff name badge, wrote, "We need routine to remind us of the workplace, even though we are at home."

Another person wrote: "We have a videoconference tomorrow, so I will wash my hair and dress well. It would be great if the chat apps had a 'beauty' function, so I wouldn't need to put on any makeup."

Some people have shared pictures of their pets sleeping next to computers. One netizen, who posted a picture of his cat, wrote: "Why must my cat always sit on my computer? I have to finish my Power-Point presentation today!"

Cao Xia, who works for a telecommunications company in Beijing, said: "We have been told to return to the office on Feb 10. However, by communicating through WeChat and email, we have remained just as productive as we would have been in an office environment."

He added that as Chinese companies rarely let their employees work from home, it has been a novel experience for him.

"Usually, going back to work after the weeklong holiday feels a little strange. It takes some time to adjust to the hectic daily work schedule. Working from home has been an unusual experience and one that I think many people will remember for the rest of their lives."

Cao said the outbreak has delayed the development of some new projects at the company. As the father of a 7-year-old boy, he has been paying a great deal of attention to the spread of the virus.

"Another thing about working from home is that I have to cook and take care of my son, which is tougher than working in the office," he said.

Zhao Yun, who works for a network security technology company, said in an interview with Tencent News, "On Feb 3, our company launched a chat group involving more than 8,000 colleagues in preparation to resume operations after the holiday."

Through the chat group, each department at the company has held two meetings a day, with staff members reporting on their progress.

However, some work cannot be done online. For example, the company has had to send employees to give technological support in Wuhan, Hubei province, the epicenter of the outbreak, where it is providing network security devices for the newly built Huoshenshan Hospital, where infected patients are being treated.

Many shopping malls have reduced their business hours, while karaoke bars and movie theaters have closed temporarily to help contain the spread of the virus. Blockbuster movie premieres have been postponed and many performance venues have cancelled shows.