How Ritchie Bros Is Pivoting in the Face of COVID-19

We’re facing an unprecedented time as COVID-19 impacts every aspect of our lives. The reality is that the current situation is stressful for many, and it’s critical for us to embrace our humanity and act with empathy and understanding. The same is true for companies.

At Ritchie Bros., we’ve banded together as an organization to innovate new ways of working that help us stay connected, motivated and positive. Here are some of the steps we’re taking to continue supporting our people and our customers.

Building a deeper connection (and having fun)

Trust and collaboration have always been a key focus for us at Ritchie Bros, and it’s our close-knit ties that help us stay connected — both internally and externally with our customers and new talent.

Of course, we’re continuing to work hard by utilizing tools like Microsoft Teams, having regular virtual meetings and developing a hyper-focused agenda across various departments of the organization. What stands out is how we’re connecting on a deeper, more personal level than ever before. By getting involved in activities like virtual yoga, Friday happy hour, dance contests and sharing photos of our pets, I’ve learnt so much more about my colleagues!

It may sound cliché, but I honestly believe the physical distance has brought us closer together — and it’s thanks to all of us embracing new ways of working and having some fun in the process.

Keeping our people updated

Given the uncertainty of the moment, changes can happen quickly — whether it be to our work environment or how we serve our customers.

To ensure everyone is aware of what’s going on within the company, we have virtual ‘watercooler time’ every day where our CEO Ann Fandozzi shares company-wide updates, as well as regular global town halls and regional-focused meetings.

Ann has also set up a dedicated inbox where she reads and answers questions from employees every day. It’s initiatives like this that help ensure we’re championing transparency across our organization and giving every employee a voice.

Providing job opportunities

The COVID-19 crisis has caused disruption and economic instability around the globe, and sadly many folks have been left without a job. Fortunately, at Ritchie Bros, we’ve had no job freezes, which means we’ve been able to offer job opportunities and provide stability to displaced talent.

Although we can’t meet candidates in person, we’ve been conducting interviews online and have a comprehensive system in place for onboarding new hires and helping them familiarise themselves with our ways of working.

The feedback so far from new hires has been that they immediately feel like they’re a part of the Ritchie Bros family despite the remote work environment — and that makes me incredibly proud.

Expanding employee benefits

While our pre-existing workplace benefits were well designed to support employees through every stage of their career with us, they’ve been expanded to provide additional support tailored to the current situation.

In Vancouver, for example, our rbKids Child Care Program now includes regular virtual updates from the program’s educators as well as a dedicated hotline where Ritchie Bros parents can check-in and connect with other parents.

We’ve also introduced virtual leadership and development programs, which are available to all employees, and are continuing to support flexible work schedules across the organization.

A final note

Ultimately, by supporting our people in being their best during this time of uncertainty, we’re also continuing to deliver the exceptional standard of customer service Ritchie Bros has been known for over the last 60-plus years.

And that’s our goal: to do what’s right for each other, for the company and for our customers.