The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the world to its knees and no one has been left untouched by this crisis.  When our company initiated our business continuity plan on March 16, we implemented our work from home strategy for our entire company. While our plan was implemented flawlessly, it didn’t take into consideration the anxiety and fear among our staff as we suddenly became disconnected physically through self-isolation and social distancing. 

I have given numerous media interviews discussing how we were so prepared to be able to efficiently go from almost 100 employees in one office, to a virtual company overnight. All the while being able to provide our clients the same level of service as if nothing was happening.

But a lot was happening.  The media was telling stories about large and small business owners suddenly having to shut down, the millions of employees who were getting laid off or furloughed through this unprecedented situation, and of course, the thousands of people that were being infected or were dying from the COVID-19 virus. 

Managing the fear and anxiety with our staff became an exercise in active communications and empathy. Luckily, we haven’t had to make any layoffs, we continue to be able to service our clients with 100% productivity, and our Executive team has never been so in sync. This has helped us manage through this crisis.

But it is our employees who I am most proud of. They trusted our leadership, shared their concerns openly and are constantly finding solutions to solve every challenge we are facing. While I have been the spokesperson for our company about how we are managing through the crisis, I felt that it was important to also share the stories of my team who were working alongside me, supporting each other.

So, I decided in one of my daily emails to my staff, to ask if anyone would be willing to share their story about how they are managing through the pandemic working from home. I said that since we were in the fortunate position where our company was still running with no layoffs or salary reductions, that they should share their stories as inspiration to others less fortunate.  They could share their perspective about how they are doing working from home, how they were managing workload, what they were dealing with around them with family and friends. What they don’t like about working from home, how they are doing emotionally, their fears or concerns that were causing anxiety, or to simply share their positive attitude.  Most importantly, I wanted them to be genuine, so when they tell your stories, others can connect with them.

I was so impressed.  Here are the stories from 20 of my staff.  Unfiltered, authentic and inspirational.  I am so appreciative that they would share their perspective.  I want it to show our collective strength and why we are able to be there for our clients, our partners, our friends and our families.  Most importantly, I hope that it inspires, that others see that by sharing, it gives strength to get through this horrible time.  We are all in this together, we need to support each other and we will see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Adam Froman

Founder & CEO

Delvinia