When OEC Group saw what was happening in China as a result of the Coronavirus spreading throughout the country and region, the company knew that it was only a matter of time before offices would be shut down and employees would need to work remotely.
The company began to make early preparations for going remote and made sure that there would be no service disruption. OEC Group then ran many tests to ensure that all its employees could access their work computer systems from home and seamlessly communicate with both clients and each other.
As a result of their planning, employees were prepared and able to work remotely the day after offices were closed. In addition to accessing all their files from their remote locations, employees can communicate and advise their clients by regularly using conferencing software, like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, and email. Indicators also show that OEC employees have been extremely productive.
“Our experience during the COVID-19 crisis has shown us that we can operate at full capability with a remote workforce,” said Anthony Fullbrook, OEC Group U.S. East Region President. “We have also been able to use some new technology that allows us to interact with clients in new and exciting ways.”
OEC has used the current situation to experiment with other technology. For example, one client recently sought an on-sight inspection that would not have been allowed due to emergency travel restrictions. To solve the dilemma, the company used Virtual Reality goggles to recreate a tour experience of the site for the client. Given the endeavor’s success, the company plans to embrace VR goggles more in the future.
“We are in uncharted territory and we’re finding that technology has helped make this situation much more navigable,” said Mr. Fullbrook. “Using telecommuting programs, we’re as accessible as ever to clients.”