Getting to know each other through kindness and innovation in the midst of COVID-19

For so many of us, the past few weeks (and months, for some) have felt surreal, almost like being in a movie. I’m working from home in Toronto with my wife and two boys and like millions of people around the world, we’re adapting. I’m often hosting video conference meetings with colleagues in multiple countries and I’m struck by how the common focus on the COVID-19 crisis has bonded us in new ways. We truly are all in this together.

I’ve also been inspired by the individual acts of kindness and innovative ways EY people are adapting as they make sense of this new, uncertain and often stressful situation. Here are four things that have stood out.

Keeping things light and being creative: People are using collaboration tools creatively to share photos and videos of what they are doing during the day – with their kids, with their pets – and getting to know each other in completely new ways. Some teams are organizing virtual coffee and lunch breaks to relax, share a few jokes and talk about what’s going on. This helps remind us that real life is still going on beyond the news, and it helps make sure we stay connected too. I’ve really been enjoying seeing the various work-from-home set ups EY people have adapted to, including the inevitable interruptions from the kids, including my own.

Focusing on mindfulness: Working from home every day can be challenging, whether that’s due to being on your own, working alongside roommates or family, or the added pressure of looking after loved ones. We all need to think about our mental health. The EY Mindfulness Network has been hosting daily check-ins to help people manage any feelings of stress and anxiety they may be experiencing. For me, even just taking ten minutes to relax, breathe, and be present can make a huge difference.

Making time for exercise: Exercise has many benefits, both physical and mental, and making time for exercise in the day helps keep us refreshed and motivated. I’ve been seeing people signing up to virtual yoga classes and high-intensity fitness sessions and then sharing which ones they like the best. I’ve put time into my schedule for daily exercise and I know some EY teams are signing up to run virtual 10ks together.

Staying flexible: It’s important to stay extra sensitive to the adjustment many people are making to the new reality of being a caregiver, teacher and a professional – potentially all at the same time. The juggle is real and I certainly feel it myself everyday. It’s been great to see EY people being compassionate and flexible to the new demands that are being placed on each other’s time.

As the EY Global Talent Leader, I’m proud of how EY has mobilized around this situation at every level. We are working hard to support and protect 280,000 EY professionals around the world, but the creativity and humanity EY people have shown has been simply incredible. I know we will have many new best practices coming out of this that will make us all stronger. While COVID-19 affects every single person, it also gives everyone the opportunity to be a force for positivity and compassion too.