June 24, 2020

Technology and Working from Home

Like everyone, the in-office Omicron team started to work from home as the world got used to the new normal. As an tech-driven firm, we were able to transition rather seamlessly, maintaining productivity and efficiency as we got used to our new routines.

With the disruption of COVID-19 and social distance restrictions, there was little time or capacity for learning curves with adoption of new tools and technology. However, Omicron’s focus on technology supported the new reality of employees working from home. Our IT team upgraded our VPN to be able to handle additional traffic and allow everyone to access their files on our internal servers. We implemented Microsoft Teams across the organization in 2019, and each employee was well versed on its capabilities as we headed home. At the end of April, our usage of Teams had increased by 400%, and we quickly learned what people’s homes (and pajamas) looked like after all those video calls.

Understanding that safety and flexibility is key, we have since re-circulated back into the office with highly developed Return to Office procedures. However, many of us continue to work from home, so collaboration through technology remains a priority to keep our team and clients engaged. Since March, we’ve maintained productivity through the systems we use to ensure our projects and client partnerships remain a priority. Microsoft Office 365 is the portal to real-time document sharing, and we share screens and use video as much as is required to maintain normalcy to continue a steady flow of information. Our project teams continue to use Revizto and Bluebeam Studio to collaborate with real-time BIM models and share mark-ups through the cloud. Our construction teams receive drawings from our design team via PlanGrid, and share RFIs and shop drawings to ensure that no physical copies need to be exchanged. In addition, pilot project teams have been successfully using HoloBuilder to document construction progress via 360 photos which reduces our need for physical visits to site.

“Microsoft Teams has allowed us to stay connected and collaborating despite being physically separated. Other platforms we’ve adopted, such as BIM 360 and Revizto, support our tech-driven processes that enable us to meet deadlines on highly complex projects that would otherwise be disrupted by being apart.” – Karina Delcourt, Digital Integration Manager

Despite being physically distant, it is important to remain social. Hosting bi-weekly, company-wide calls via Zoom allows us to stay connected and maintain our competitive culture with trivia, Pictionary and costume challenges.

Omicron’s CEO, Bill Tucker, recently held a CREW Vancouver webinar, Leading Through Change, where he discussed strategies for business continuity, remote working environments and virtual collaboration with clients and colleagues. During the webinar, Bill reinforced the importance of video calls and staying connected. Throughout his day-to-day, he is ensuring that video calls remain priority when communicating with management and staff and encouraging others to do the same. We have the tools, why not use them to the full capacity?