The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in a new use of technology, especially for state workers. Increased access to take home tech and apps like laptops, Zoom, and Teams made it possible for the state to continue running despite workers being fully remote.
We interviewed our member and DHS worker, Diana, to hear a firsthand account of how telework and new technology has streamlined her workplace, “Once we got adjusted, got everything we needed, I didn’t think there was a slowdown at all. It was just a different way of doing it.” The early days of the pandemic are proof that when given access to the right tools, it’s possible to operate at the same capacity and efficacy as when workers are in-person.
Now that workers have returned to the office, part of the fight to establish a permanent telework policy is tied to maintaining a streamlined workplace, “Now when you have a Zoom or Teams meeting you can kind of multitask. You can continue working on what you’re working on, chime in when you need to, take part in the meeting… it’s just made things so much easier.”
Hear Diana’s full perspective in the video below: