Infrastructure projects have resumed as New Zealand returns to work at Alert Level 3. There’s a lot to be done, and as we approach this next stage, virtual collaboration can help progress project delivery quickly and efficiently.
Five weeks into lockdown, virtual working has become standard for many. Depending on one’s living situation, working from home can pose challenges, but for many, it provides a focussed space to apply oneself, without the distractions of the office.
Eliminating the need to travel and simplifying scheduling, remote tools may even out-perform aspects of traditional in-person project delivery.
Less hui, more do-ey
While “catching up” forms a valuable part of any working relationship, this does not need to form part of every meeting being held. Virtual meetings tend to be more task-focussed, with fewer distractions and participant check-ins kept to the essentials.
Office politics are present in all workplaces, and interpersonal dynamics can outweigh evidence-based decision-making when meeting in person, depending on who’s in the room. More often than not, strong personalities also lead discussions and not all participants find their voice. When meeting virtually however, it is much easier for everyone to participate, and digital tools can be used to run short and structured interactive sessions, to make sense of diverging opinions.
Using these tools effectively requires re-thinking how we structure meetings and collaboration. Beyond the tools themselves, it’s important to consider what we take offline, what we do in meetings, how we structure an agenda, and when and how we “catch up.” Getting the most from a digital environment requires planning and agility, but experience has shown us that it’s worth the effort.
Getting it done
When a critical wastewater tunnel collapsed under Dixon Street, in central Wellington, the city needed a permeant replacement as soon as possible. To limit risks to public health, and impacts on local residents and (then-open) businesses, we worked alongside Wellington Water to have Willis Street open to traffic again in late March.
New Zealand’s COVID-19 alert level 4 lockdown was announced during construction, and our challenge was to continue delivering this essential infrastructure in a virtual environment, and to do so quickly.
Final works were agreed through discussions via Microsoft Teams, GHDs preferred software for virtual collaboration. On-site, our contractor sent regular images of the works, providing us with enough information to limit our attendance unless absolutely necessary.
Maintaining an ongoing virtual dialogue was vital to delivering this project successfully. Digital collaboration tools created the environment for us to take action at short notice, and work seamlessly with our client and contractors, even in these unprecedented times. Works are now complete, and Willis Street is open, ready for when the Wellington community returns.
Collaborating virtually can fast-track projects, making the most of available time, staying action focussed and providing all participants the opportunity to have a voice . With the right tools, and the right approach, it’s always possible to provide lasting benefit, even under extenuating circumstances.
