The New (Not So) Normal… Thank You AIS

This week, my daughter was supposed to get on the bus and head to her first day of second grade. Instead, she will be home until at least the end of October, starting her school year virtually. As much as I want her to be in school learning, making new friends and buying sherbet in the lunch line thinking I won’t find out, I’m happy her health is being put first and I’m so lucky to be working from home so that I can be with her during this time.

AIS has had a very thoughtful, diligent and employee-focused response to COVID-19. The company has done everything they can to protect our health, morale and livelihoods, while still providing the same exceptional service to our customers. There is so much to say, but I thought I would just share a few of the things AIS has done to Adapt and Overcome.

• A telework initiative was launched so employees who are able to work from home have been encouraged to do so. It has gone very well in my eyes; my team is more connected than ever and we regularly schedule time to catch up over video chat. I’m able to be home with my daughter and lead my team at the same time.
• There is an entire site on our company intranet dedicated to informing employees about COVID-19. The site includes a discussion board, emergency benefits and policy information, an entertainment page, a page with charities and organizations in need of help, news and much more.
• A Workplace Safety Committee was created to help us successfully start work again at our offices, but employees who are still happy and productive working remotely are able to do so.
• We have had Town Hall meetings so that our leadership team can review the latest updates and plans, and employees can ask questions about any thoughts or concerns they have.
• Our CEO sent us all an AIS mask to keep us healthy along with words of encouragement and thanks during these difficult times.

Though nothing feels normal right now, I can’t express my gratitude enough to the AIS leadership team. They have been supporting our needs, listening to our concerns and putting employees first. I’ve always been grateful to work at AIS, but this year has made me realize just how lucky I am. I’m hopeful for the future and I’m sure things will settle, but until then, I will be adding sherbet to my grocery list.