EROAD director of analytics Gareth Robins is showing what working from home really looks like.
While his two children have commandeered the kitchen table for their schoolwork, and his wife has set up a desk in the lounge, Gareth had to get creative.
He has erected a tent on his deck, complete with couches, working desk and even an ergonomic chair.
“This was an easier way to manage the four of us all working at home, but not getting on top of each other,” he says.
“Plus, it means the only background to my presentations is bird-song, which is pretty cool for those on the other side of the world to hear.”
EROAD staff are well versed in working from home using digital communication tools to connect with other colleagues and stakeholders in different time zones.
It’s all part of being a global company supplying technology that helps transport operators with automated compliance and fleet management plus supplying information that governments use for road funding or decision making.
The COVID-19 lockdown has created some novel ways to minimise the background sounds of children asking for food, dogs barking or others asking: “Are you ready for a wine yet?”
As the analytics director, Gareth leads the team that identifies and supplies transport network insights.
Prior to the travel restrictions, Gareth would regularly traverse the globe presenting these insights to universities, government research agencies and others keen to use EROAD’s technology to deliver safer, more productive roads.
As the world slowly closes down, the requirement for operating efficiencies for transport operators is increasing and this is where EROAD can help.
Gareth has adopted the #lockdownlook2020 in his approach to dressing for these, now online, presentations.
“Uber-comfortable business attire is how I’m describing it,” he says.
EROAD has been designated an essential service provider, supplying technology services that organisations like New Zealand Defence Force, St John New Zealand, the NZ Transport Agency, local councils, construction and courier companies rely on to manage their vehicle fleets and keep their staff safe.
Over the past few weeks, staff transitioned to work from home locations, remaining in their immediate ‘bubbles’ and working from garages, sleep-outs, home offices and yes, even the kitchen table.
EROAD chief executive Steven Newman says he’s “so proud of how our staff transitioned to new working environments”.
“This has shown how committed we are in supporting all our customers, whether they be coping with change or busy delivering essential services during these unprecedented times.
“We may be separated in our own bubbles, but we’re all in this together,” Newman says.
EROAD has also adjusted its logo to remind people that staying apart is the best way to stay safe. Click here to view the new moving logo.
