We're In This Together

Like many of you, I’ve been thinking a lot about the changes happening in the world. We’re all working through our own unique situations right now – sorting through how to keep our teams, loved ones, and communities safe and healthy while staying productive and finding ways to make a positive impact.  

Everyone’s circumstances are different. Many people are tackling new challenges with childcare, helping elderly parents, assisting the local community, etc. Our employees know that we’re here for them and that we’re flexible and mindful of everyone’s individual needs. I’m confident that as a company, a culture, a community, a nation and a world, we will adapt to a new normal and be stronger for it.

Staying Connected

Managing a company of more than 350 employees who are now working remotely is all about communication, communication, and more communication.

Our leadership team is meeting twice daily to make sure we’re working through any issues together. Similarly, our managers are checking in with their teams twice a day in addition to being available via video conference and Skype.

When change inevitably happens, we’re ready and informed. Stay connected with your teams, your leaders, your customers, and your communities. Strong lines of communication have helped us stay agile and productive. 

I’m also sending out an all-team email every day (sometimes twice a day). While it’s hard to duplicate the flexibility of a quick stop and chat at the coffee bar, I want the team to hear from me. And, what’s great is I’ve been getting emails back! Employees will send me a note to say hello, share an inspirational quote or prayers or share a moment of their day. We’re really keeping that sense of community. 

Staying Well

Most people are feeling stress due to everything that’s happening in our country and our world. With updates breaking constantly, it’s easy to get pulled into watching news story after news story. Watching too much news can be overwhelming – it’s a lot to take in. 

Now more than ever, I’m encouraging our team to take care of themselves. Whether it’s a walk outside, reading a book, calling a loved one, writing in a journal, hugging your kids, walking your dog, or helping a neighbor – be sure you are finding a way to help others and find time for yourself. It’s important to find ways to stay connected and stay grateful.

Working Elevated

As CEO, part of my job is to make sure employees have what they need to perform at their best. At the Vari offices, every employee has an active workstation complete with our best-selling products. As we officially rolled out remote work for the company, I knew we’d need feedback.

So, we sent out a survey asking employees what tools would make them more productive or efficient at home. We also asked employees to prioritize what tools were a critical need, what tools would provide a positive benefit, and what was more of an “ideal world” ask. As we review the survey results, we’ll be able to pinpoint what’s going to make the most impact and help our team to be happier during remote work.

How are you staying motivated while working from home?

Let me know, I’d like to hear from you! Let’s share what’s working so we can all learn from it. We’re all in this together.

By sharing our stories and making human connections, we can help our communities, our country, our world, and our loved ones get through this time. We can learn and we can grow.