BACKGROUND

In early 2020 concerns around the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, began to rise. On March 10th, Governor Charlie Baker declared an emergency order, causing many individuals and organizations to take action to keep themselves and the community safe. That week, the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy took steps to transition to remote work for their team.

MAKING THE TRANSITION

During the transition to remote work, TNB worked with the Greenway team to ensure they could perform critical job functions from home. Since the majority of staff use desktops in the office, some team members were issued laptop devices and others began working from their personal computers. To keep data safe and software running, TNB issued VPN access and LogMeIn licenses to users who need access to specific drives or accounting software. This change was also made easier thanks to an earlier transition to cloud computing TNB facilitated, allowing files to be accessed and shared remotely without difficulty.

The Greenway team also had to adapt quickly to using tools like video conferencing to chat and host meetings. They worked closely with their Tech Networks IT Consultant to evaluate, select, and implement new tools without causing major or long-term disruption to their work.  The Greenway team is regularly working with TNB to update technology and security policies to address their remote work needs.

The ability to quickly and efficiently make changes, and a willingness to assess and revise procedures on an ongoing basis, is necessary to a successful transition to remote work.

TAKEAWAYS

By working with Tech Networks of Boston, the Greenway team was able to transition to remote work successfully. By using their current technology, adding tools to make remote work easier, and shifting financial and people resources to address gaps, they are prepared to address changing concerns in an uncertain time. Their team and technology are flexible, which will help them address changes in the future.