Crisis Leads to Efficiencies

This spring and summer have been a challenge for everyone, whether you have been directly impacted by COVID or are facing the ancillary impacts of closed stores, canceled events, and restrictions on traveling around and out of the state.  It is the optimist, however, that sees the positives that this new normal has forced upon us.

At Genesee Valley Conservancy, we’ve taken some major technological strides forward that expand our potential for collaboration and reach, that were possible before the pandemic, but not anywhere near the forefront of our task list.

Our office server, the computer where we store all of our project files and data, was getting out of date and remotely accessing the files outside of the office was cumbersome.  We have since transitioned to a cloud-based server, making it easy and fast to access all of our files from any internet browser.  Although we started looking at this transition pre-COVID, the pandemic accelerated the need to complete the project and demonstrated the immediate benefits of this new system.

All staff can now work remotely, seeing the same folder structure and files as if they were at the office.  The new cloud-based server also allows for easy collaboration where multiple staff can be editing the same document at the same time.  We no longer have to worry about which document is the most up-to-date version or where a particular file is kept.

Like everyone else, we also have had our fair share of video meetings in place of in-person meetings.  While video meetings are not nearly as enjoyable as sitting across the table, using video technology has opened our eyes to ways we can collaborate with peers across the state and country, and engage with communities without driving hours to see them.  Less time behind the wheel means lower travel costs and more productivity.

With the safety precautions in place that limit our staffing levels to partial capacity, video meetings have also allowed staff to continue to hold weekly meetings to ensure everyone is up on the latest projects.  We can address logistics together and maintain the personal bond that keep staff passionate about the work we do and makes the Conservancy a rewarding place to work.  When staff are happy, connected, and care about the work, more work and better work gets done.