Raygun: Responding to the NZ lock down

The following is the email I sent to all Raygun staff following the upgrade of New Zealand to Alert Level 3. The Prime Minister stated New Zealand would enter Level 4 48 hours later. This gave people 48 hours until nearly all non-essential businesses were to shut.

I held an all-hands to discuss this, and followed with the email. Be mindful that in these times that details may be missed due to stress, and therefore an email helps after.

I've been amazed by the team response. Many software businesses are seeing a surge in demand for their services. Raygun helps those business keep running by alterting to issues and helping them work remotely while managing their offerings.

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Hi Team,

The big news impacting most of the Raygun team today is that New Zealand is going into Alert Level 3, with Alert Level 4 48 hours later. This email however applies to everyone, including those not working in New Zealand.

I appreciate that in these times it can be very stressful, with concerns for your health, your loved ones health, supplies, etc.

One thing I do not want you worrying about however is your job. I wanted to outline to you some of the measures that I, and our leadership team, have decided to make following today's announcement.

Flexi-time: Tuesday 23rd

This is the one day that New Zealanders will have before Alert Level 4 will kick in. It's a day when you should be checking in with loved ones, ensuring your children understand what's going on, and generally ensuring you're prepared. I recommend avoiding going into shops if you can!

To that end, I'm introducing "flexi time" at Raygun. All of Tuesday will be flexi-time for all team members. If you have meetings this day, either move them or agree with others that it still works for all parties. We would ask that you make any calendar changes this afternoon in preparation for tomorrow. 

This is a time where if you have the opportunity to do work, please do. If not, no problem - do what you need to do with your family and your situation. Your family and wellbeing is the most important thing here.

Flexi-time: Level 4

This morning I asked our leadership team to start pulling meetings forward, as well as find any meetings that we can axe. I'd rather us have open calendars to support what's happening at home, as well as free people up to have more casual "check-ins" with one another during these isolating times.

During the time at Alert Level 4, I am reducing the work day by 25%.

Everyone has different styles of working, and I absolutely have faith in our team to manage their obligations. Where this time is taken from your day is up to you. You may prefer working 9-3pm, or may prefer breaking it up. I do not mind. What is important is flexibility, particularly for those folks with kids at home. Please discuss this with your manager / team-lead / etc. I also appreciate that many will still work this time, and that's appreciated but not necessary. It's at your discretion. Please communicate with the people you are working with so that they know when you will be unavailable - pop a message in Slack.

Pay

I want to make it clear that none of these changes will impact your pay. Raygun will continue paying you as though it's normal working hours through this time.

Getting things home

Nick Steevens has generously offered to do equipment delivery for folks on Tuesday the 23rd. If there is office equipment (e.g. monitors or computers) that you need at home, please reply to Nick and I on this email and we'll organize that delivery for you tomorrow. If you are taking something home please remember to note this in the spreadsheet Nick has set up.

Extended Leave / Concerns

While Raygun is positioned well to weather this storm, I appreciate that these times can be extremely stressful for some. If you need additional time, just want to chat, or need a helping hand, please talk to your manager, or you can reach me directly. We'll find a path forward.

Action List

1. Reply to this email if you need Nick to deliver equipment.
2. Move all your meetings for tomorrow if you can.
3. Look out for one another.

We have an opportunity here to do well in a crisis. To help each other, and appreciate that we are all in this together and that we can all do our part. I greatly appreciate the maturity everyone has brought to these struggles -- I’m glad I’m in the virtual lifeboat with all of you!

Kind regards,

John-Daniel Trask