The worst of times, the best of people

Collectively and globally, this is the most challenging time of our lives. As I talk with colleagues and family members – connecting in new and often richer ways during this period of enforced lockdown – I notice a fascinating pattern emerging.

The stories we share about the horror and sadness inflicted by the COVID-19 outbreak are often countered by hugely uplifting tales of human kindness.

Even when it’s really bad, we find good.

I have been personally moved by stories of neighbours shopping for each other where previously they barely said hello. I smiled when I watched the news and saw farmers mowing messages of support for the NHS into their fields. And I cheer with pride at the raucous noise echoing throughout our streets every Thursday night as we all #clapforourcarers.

On a professional level, I’m incredibly proud to be working for an organisation that has stepped up whole-heartedly in the global fight against this pandemic. Boehringer Ingelheim (BI) is a family-owned company, always endeavouring to be an excellent global citizen. We were able to act quickly in establishing new ways of working in response to the crisis, figuring out how we can best be of service.

We have an incredibly straightforward yet powerful purpose that is the beating heart of our company: Our aim is to improve health for people and animals.

This sense of purpose also runs through the veins of our people and we knew there would be individuals all around the business who wanted to step forward and join the fight against COVID-19. Consequently we offered all 51,000 of our employees globally the opportunity to take up to 10 days leave to join approved organisations, whilst still being paid by BI.

I’m proud to say colleagues here in the UK are volunteering in their local communities, in hospitals and other emergency services. This includes our Medical Director, Dr Juliet Roberts, who is among those who’ve answered the call to support the NHS and join the frontline fight.

Not everyone has the training to help out in hospitals, but that doesn’t stop us from asking: What can I do to help?

I’m not a trained physician, but my role as MD is to make sure those within the company who want to contribute are able to do so with our full backing. For example, we’ve chosen to assist the ABPI in its initiative to support local pharmacies with dozens of our employees volunteering to help deliver medicines within their local communities.

And it isn’t just the big-impact stuff that counts. It’s taking a moment to call a colleague who lives alone, for no reason other than to chat. It’s time spent being fully present with family members, either by Skype or in person, when they are bored or lonely or both. And it’s the simple act of staying home on a hot sunny day, because we care deeply about protecting our NHS.

I can’t remember a time when compassion, generosity and kindness counted for so much – both on a corporate and personal level. None of us would choose this situation, but within the darkness there are unwavering glimmers of hope. The worst of times has undoubtedly brought out the best in us – as businesses, as families and as humans.