A new way of working for A-ROSA River Cruises

Germany based A-ROSA River Cruises just completed the mammoth task of successfully transitioning its entire head office team to working from home. This move was strategically planned to ensure business continuity in an environment ruled by social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr Jörg Eichler, CEO A-ROSA, said,“We started the project early. It was in January that I instructed our IT department to compile a feasibility study and purchase the necessary equipment. My top priorities were staff protection from COVID-19 and business continuity during these uncertain times. We just didn’t know what was coming and wanted to be prepared.”“It’s a big relief to know that our employees are all well and can work from the comfort of their own homes, doing what they do best, look after the needs of our valued guests and trade partners around the world.”

Quickly adjusting to their new work environments, A-ROSA’s head office workforce of 130 employees have found new ways to keep the communication channels open, maintain the team spirit and stay connected.

Two of A-ROSA’s head office staff took the opportunity to share their experiences.

Ms Annika Schmied, PR Manager, A-ROSA and team member Alexander Borchardt, said,

“It feels surreal. We are a close-knit team and miss the interaction with our colleagues. As we couldn’t see each other in person we started taking pictures of our workstations at home. There was a bit of banter going on who had the most authentic A-ROSA home office.”

Working from her Sydney based home office, Ms Birgit Eisbrenner, Regional Director Australia & New Zealand, A-ROSA, added,

“In times like these it is particularly heart-warming to feel the team spirit, despite the physical isolation. I feel privileged to be part of a solution focused team that thrives on supporting each other, our guests and agency partners across the world.