The New Usual

We want to offer our clients and those that may be considering being one of our clients, the support needed to keep a balance while serving your market(s). First and foremost is the health and welfare of our staff, your staff and our collective businesses that depend on all of us to help them thrive.

It's important for you to know how we are working through the COVID-19 issue. NERUS Strategies began as a virtual workplace. We fund the technology costs for each employee to have remote (at home) access to high speed internet and the latest cellular equipment and plans. Beginning today (March 16), through the end of the month, we have asked our staff to work from home. Most of our staff are part of a dual income household. By allowing our team to work from their homes, they not only are self-isolating, but they are also available to be there for their children, who don’t have childcare or school for the upcoming weeks.

We know that each person will approach the outbreak in their own way. While none of our staff are ill, or appear to be ill, or have been in harm’s way, we are allowing them to elect to self-furlough if they feel they cannot concentrate on their work. I am proud of our team as they all are working. So, for the next few weeks, you may be on a call and hear a child’s happy voice or a dog barking in the background … it’s just business as usual as we embrace safety and balance.

These unusual times also require unusual challenges. For example, we have a large Catholic Parish in Central California client that had to suspend their Mass services. While their Bishop said to have one more open Mass, the Pastor of the parish felt it more prudent to stop more quickly. Overnight, we made arrangements to live stream a closed Mass that the Pastor, Deacon, Reader and Music Director held in English and then in Spanish. We had over 8,000 people participate live or watching after the Sunday mass, not only locally, but across the globe. We will be continuing that service for the next two Sundays in March, and as long as it is necessary.

Our core strength is a communications company. While we don’t own the mediums, we do know how to deploy with them. Creativity and finding the way forward has always been our mantra.

The CDC has asked that all employers be ready to implement strategies to protect their workforce from COVID-19 while ensuring continuity of operations. During a COVID-19 outbreak, all sick employees should stay home and away from the workplace, respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene should be encouraged, and routine cleaning of commonly touched areas.

We are ensuring that our plan is flexible, fluid and involves our staff in developing and reviewing our plan. We are hoping that our work continues and that we do not have to make any changes in our workforce.

Here is a great resource … https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf

Pray for our leaders, wash your hands more often, and let’s move onward!