Best Practices for Battling COVID-19

The Swiss-Mexican Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SwissCham) represents about 50 Swiss companies and helps improve economic relations between the two countries. It also supports Swiss companies with events and other types of services to encourage their business opportunities. Switzerland is the ninth-largest foreign direct investor in Mexico with US$6.8 billion in 2018. Bilateral trade between Mexico and Switzerland amounted to US$2.4 billion in 2019. In addition, the 50 members of the chamber participate in most sectors of the Swiss economy and create more than 40,000 direct jobs in Mexico.

Our daily job involves a number of services for Swiss businesses, such as the promotion of the Swiss model of professional education, reports and newsletters, exposition at trade and fair pavilions, banking services, and promotion of technological innovations and advances made in Switzerland. However, in this time of pandemic, we know that some companies have stopped their normal operation and require more support, which is why we have generated a report with five key points: a survey and benchmark on preventive measures, recommendations and best practices for crisis management, analysis of legal impacts on contracts and obligations, analysis of economic impacts and the organization of webinars.

In this report, SwissCham conducted an online survey to assess the capacity of Swiss companies to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and, thanks to a response rate of 92 percent from CEOs and HR heads, it was possible to create a benchmark to be shared with all our members. The report contains questions on internal and external events, domestic and international flights, home offices and workplace hygiene measures.

Among the key findings regarding internal and external business meetings, it was found that 52 percent of Swiss companies responded that all internal and external meetings had either been canceled or postponed, while 22 percent switched to video calls and only 12 percent replied that important meetings had been held. Meanwhile, the remaining 14 percent of companies reported the cancelation, postponement or move to video call of external meetings and the restriction of internal meetings to a maximum number of people.

Regarding domestic and international flights and trips, 61 percent of the companies stated that national and international trips were canceled, while 30 percent stated that only international trips were canceled or postponed. As an additional precautionary measure, 10 percent of the companies announced that travel to high-risk areas was prohibited.

In terms of home office activities, about 25 percent of the companies implemented home office for all their staff members, while 41 percent of the companies made this option available only for positions that require it. Other solutions included applying home office on a rotating or phased basis, with 12 percent of companies doing this, and 17 percent of companies applying home office measures only to workers with symptoms. Only 5 percent of companies had not implemented home office at the time of the survey.

Finally, regarding hygiene measures, all companies stated that they had adopted initiatives recommended by the national Ministry of Health or World Health Organization authorities, such as distancing, use of antibacterial gel, temperature control of workers and regular hand-washing. In addition, companies such as Nestlé established a medical advice line.

To help our affiliated companies in Mexico overcome this unprecedented challenge as efficiently as possible, we shared 10 recommendations for crisis management and some of the best practices of Swiss companies. It is important to note that there are no solutions that relate to all businesses and to all sectors and industries. However, due to the complexity and unpredictability of COVID-19 and the lack of previous experience, we also shared some lessons learned from Chinese companies that are now experiencing a recovery from the crisis.

Several companies launched information centers or digital platforms with relevant information regarding COVID-19. For example, Novartis launched an information center as a central hub for updates, guidance and resources to respond to COVID-19 and to ensure the stable supply and pricing of essential medicines. Meanwhile, Zurich Insurance coordinated the efforts of its employees, business partners and clients through a digital platform with expert information and tools to create clarity and security.  

Other best practices shared include modifications to sales channels and the reassignment of employees to different tasks as direct sales to customers are being severely restricted. Several Swiss companies quickly reallocated sales efforts to new channels in both B2C and B2B companies. For example, On Running Shoes is focusing on an online store and online sales. Furthermore, they are using social media to provide advice for training at home for their customers. 

As part of our effort to assist Swiss and Mexican companies in legal matters, we have shared an analysis by law firm SOLCARGO and we organized a webinar with Cuesta, Llaca y Esquivel Abogados, on COVID-19’s impact on agreements and other obligations under Mexican law. In addition, we also shared an analysis and organized a webinar by Swiss banks UBS and Credit Suisse on the economic impact of COVID-19 in Mexico, including growth perspectives, interest and exchange rate analysis and fiscal stimulus recommendations for the government. 

During the course of the epidemic, we will continue working remotely, doing home office and holding meetings from our ten working groups through video calls. Furthermore, we will be available through all our channels of communication. Last but not least, we will also be organizing several webinars on relevant topics, such as “Communications in times of crisis”, “How to Respond to the COVID-19 Crisis as a Company” and “The Economic Impact of COVID-19 in Mexico.” 

More information on the report: https://swisscham.mx/en/2020/03/24/response-to-the-covid-19/

More information on the Swiss Chamber: www.swisscham.mx / info@swisscham.mx / (55) 5081189 / @SwissChamMexico (Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin).