Q&A Session: Social distancing but not distancing from…work

Q: During the quarantine, how has the construction situation been affected at the working site?

A: Cove Residences Empire City: One member of the Board of Management (BOM) is currently working from home due to mandatory isolation, but all others are still able to come to the work site as usual. The project has entered the sprint phase and they are all working enthusiastically.

A: The River Thu Thiem: Construction work has not been interrupted and has even accelerated as the project is now in the mass construction phase. Both the Investor and Supervisory Consultant have several employees working online, so the Management Board has also needed to change working practices to adapt this situation.

Q: With the unprecedented and unusual situation, have the Departments’ work been affected during this period? What are their solutions?

A: Sales Department: Despite working remotely, the Sales Department has continued to receive work requests from customers. They have gradually adapted and learned to live with the epidemic. In addition to this, the company’s existing reputation and capacity is strong enough for customers to reach out to us and actively contact the company directly. The virtual factory tour application was developed at the right time, and digital marketing tools that are always available to help the BM Windows team allow them to confidently handle the job. It is important that we get the situation right, and try to change and adapt to it. If we just stay still and wait for Covid to pass by, it will be a huge barrier.

A: Commerce – Purchasing Department: Our partner countries have also suffered heavily from the epidemic, which has causing some obstacles in terms of cost and import orders schedule. The solutions of our department are to proactively assess risks, notify the construction site and relevant departments and update official documents on the progress of and costs from partners so that the BOM can work with the Investor in accordance with the company’s regulations.

A: Areus Showroom: In addition to things that are directly affected such as meetings with customers and potential customers, other jobs have also been affected to a greater or lesser extent. This has proven to be a great time for AREUS to condense business process and organize intensive training courses. AREUS is focusing on digital media for its brand development. Moreover, we are also planning events that we would like to schedule as soon as the epidemic is under control.

Q: How does each department manage the members’ work to ensure safety and efficiency during the epidemic?

A: Finance and Accounting Department: We still go to work as normal during the quarantine and have been working as two teams at 2 different locations (main office and 68A branch). The Finance and Accounting Department has a common online group, so all work information is continuously exchanged without interruption or obstacles. This is maintained daily so we still focus on working efficiently. We share information on social distancing within the group, to remind everyone about covid safety measures and help them to be more careful.

A: Human Resources Department: The Human Resources Department still regularly organizes interactive online training sessions for company members. The training contents mainly focus on providing basic technical knowledge, discussing and finding solutions in coordination between departments and connecting staff. We continue to be active in adapting to the 4.0 technology era and the many unforeseen changes resulting from the epidemic: proactively preventing epidemics and developing tools to organize effective training courses.

Coronavirus Disease Background, Health Care and Safety

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Q: How do you manage to ensure work efficiently from home?

A: Pham Ngoc Nguyen – Engineer at Pegasuite 2 Site: I am currently living in Ehome 3 (Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City) which has just been locked down due to the epidemic. Initially when I heard the announcement, I was concerned and confused because my job usually requires me to go to the construction site. Fortunately, the two projects that I oversee, Pegasuite 2 (in the process of shop drawing and submitting samples); and the Stella model house (which has been handed over), can be handled remotely. Every day, I compile and send “defects lists” and details of the work that is yet to be implemented to the construction team, then send visual feedback to the mutual group, then invite the Main Contractor Supervisor to take over when it is completed. The continuous interaction with the Main Contractor and the support of all company’s staffs help me to capture information and promptly handle problems at the site. I am however very eager for the quarantine to end quickly so that I get back to visiting the construction site in person.

A: Machining Engineering Division: Our division is assigned to work at the official house with equipment and machinery also transported here to complete the job. During this time, we are working closely with the QC team in checking samples and with the Production team in measuring sample accessories to successfully complete processing documents and meeting the urgent schedule of the construction site. One interesting but slightly irrelevant question that has arisen is, “What to eat today?”. This is commonly asked by staff working at the official houses. These days, we all hope that the epidemic will come to an end soon so that we can work and eat together again. We all miss the delicious and happy meals at the factory.

Q: In your opinion, what preparation and adaptation do we still need to do in the current period?

A: Areus Showroom: This epidemic may remain for a long time, so in addition to things to do such as complying with epidemic prevention regulations and staying healthy, we need to prepare ourselves with knowledge and learning about digital platforms because this global trend will continue strongly in the future.

Q: What plans do the company have to ensure safety and work efficiency for employees during the epidemic?

A: Internal Affairs Division: The company has maintained its normal working rhythm and continues to organize periodic meetings between the Board of Management and the departments to evaluate the work and promptly assist in solving problems. In addition, training courses and workshops are still regularly held weekly using online platforms. The most important thing now is to ensure the source of work as well as a stable salary and income regime for employees during the epidemic.

Q: What are the experiences learned by Departments during the “Covid era”?

A: Commerce – Purchasing Department: During the current complicated epidemic, we are incredibly lucky to have our good health and can still come to work at the company. The Board of Management are also working to protect the interests of all staffs. This is a precious thing, so we also need to work harder to overcome this challenging period together.

A: Sales Department: This is a golden time for personnel preparation. The Department heads will have more time to care for their team and promote work by continuously asking questions so that employees are not feeling subjective; to learn and build content for our internal training and personal skills development for the team. BM Windows’ sales team is sure to emerge into a post-covid world with with many changes: different in internal strength, in skills and moreover, in persistent spirit.

Thank you for your sharing.

Regardless of the circumstances, the spirit and responsibility for the work of BM Windows remains unchanged. The lights in the Office Division are still on at 9 p.m,, the Factory Division still focuses on increasing production and the Construction Division still maintains their enthusiasm for the project progress following hour by hour, etc. More than anyone else, we know the strength of the solidarity and persistence of BM Windows people, and together we confidently overcome challenges.