Activation lock

I am trying to start to use my work phone which has been in the use of the previous employee before me. I can't get through the activation lock as the device seems to remember the Apple ID of the previous person. I have checked the guidance and according the directions she has logged into her Apple ID account online and removed the device from her devices (she only had that one device). After that I have tried switching the phone off several times but it still remembers that wrong Apple ID and won't let me in.

The phone has been connected to Wifi during the process so I guess it should get the information from that other person's account, that the device is no longer hers. So what can I do? Is the only option to meet up with the previous person and her to open the activation lock and sign out again from her Apple ID? It would help, if we didn't need to meet in person with that old employee.

Thanks for all the help!