Reflections from the OCS Conference 2023: Team Strength, Cultural Capability, Innovation, and the Power of Face-to-Face Interaction

It was a pleasure to catch up with team members, advisory group members and supply partners in ōtautahi Christchurch recently at our OCS Australia & New Zealand Conference.?

It was our first management conference in three years due to COVID disruptions and I was surprised by how emotional I was that we could all finally come together again.?

The conference was an opportunity to learn and unpack the lessons of the last few years while setting the groundwork for the year to come. We were fortunate to have some really high-calibre speakers and the frank interaction between everyone allowed for honest information sharing and learning.

Here are some key themes that resonated with me.

A. Strength within our team

While our people are tired (and noting ongoing international labour shortages have exacerbated an already tired workforce), we have a fantastic team at OCS.?Despite challenges, our team has remained strong – they’re passionate, innovative and always willing to go above and beyond, both for their customers and their team mates – this was a common theme for our award winners.

B. Cultural Capability

We are on a journey to redefine our culture, acknowledging the 70+ nationalities that work across our Aotearoa NZ business (and more than 80 across both countries) and integrating Māori principles and cultural concepts. We acknowledge that more can be done across our Australian business too – but it was clear from the response from our team members in the room that cultural capability is something that our team not only accepts but clearly wants???

It was an emotional moment listening to Dr Jim Mather present the framework for our new Māori Cultural Capability Strategy, Whiria Te Tangata | Weaving the People Together, and being presented with a pākē (cloak) made by OCS Auckland Operations Manager, Rawinia (Raa) Wright . The pākē is a visual representation of the weaving together of our 3,500+ team members and many nationalities across our Aotearoa NZ business.

C. Innovation?

Facilities management and the cleaning industry have evolved a long way and continue to evolve as we seek ways of doing things better – and by better, I mean better for our people, and our planet. Whether it’s investing in technologies that limit work-related injuries, creating more meaningful employment opportunities or working with both our customers and supply partners to create innovative cleaning solutions. And it’s about telling those stories in a way that resonates with people and inspires them to do more too.?

D. It’s the simple things

All Blacks manager and mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka ONZM 's messages certainly hit the mark for both the Aussies and Kiwis in the room. Simple and effective, his?performing under pressure?messages resonated. My top four takeaways:

1. Get the right mindset
2. The standard you walk past is the standard you accept
3. Ask, don’t assume
4. Be curious, not critical.

OCS is a people business. We know there are challenges, but it’s opportunities like our conference that allow us to address those challenges collectively, brainstorm ideas and learn from other parts of the business and our partners. Yes, technology has provided adequate substitutes for when you can’t get together, but nothing beats face-to-face interaction for getting to the heart of opportunities and challenges.

So, I’m enthusiastic about the year ahead despite the obstacles and many challenges that will probably head our way if the media is to be believed. I’m looking forward to our team delivering more innovative technologies and services to our customer base, diving into the business and delivering the strategy for the years ahead.?It’s a journey, but together, we’re making a difference.