Camaraderie, even virtual, is a powerful tool

“Check with each other more often, call or text them; and also remind each other to be careful,” suggests Richard Evelyn, a 24-year veteran Cummins Sales and Service Technician. 

Richard lives in the New Jersey area and for the last 12 years has been helping nearby hospitals, schools, data centers and other businesses ensure their back-up power systems are well maintained and ready to operate if needed. 

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Richard has been spending more of his time at the local data centers. Connectivity has become an even more important part of our everyday routine as many more people are required to stay at home. These data centers bring us the connectivity we need for distance learning, virtual meetings, staying in touch with friends and family, streaming entertainment, and beyond.

"It is different. It is all virtual now. We get electronic authorization to enter the data center, no more paperwork and physical signatures. Once I am in, I am pretty much by myself, without one of my stakeholders meeting me in person," Richard said about his recent visits to data centers. "I notify my stakeholders once I am done and might see them from a distance. We are all being very cautious."

Richard is also happy to see how much his customers appreciate the effort everyone is making to keep operations running smoothly while ensuring everyone’s safety.

Beyond the visits to data centers, Richard’s daily routine at the office has also changed.

"I miss working close with my comrades. I miss sitting together for lunch, talking about our days and how the kids are doing," said Richard, as he reflects back to his old routine. 

Camaraderie is what Richard misses the most from his routine before the COVID-19 pandemic, but he has a strong message for all of us. A message that has worked well for him:

"Check with each other more often, call or text them; and remind each other to be careful." 

The next time you are having a virtual hangout, remember the service professionals such as Richard and many others that are going the extra mile during these difficult times to ensure data centers have the power needed to keep you connected. To ensure we can enjoy the camaraderie of our colleagues, families and friends through virtual means.