Returning to a New Normal at the Workplace // Reopening Strategy Series

Chill Anywhere has worked with over 300 organizations across industries ranging from global corporations to universities. A timely challenge that every organization is facing is how they are preparing for their “new normal,” whether it is returning to an office or establishing a sustainable work from home strategy. In an effort to learn from each other, we have developed a series providing reopening strategies from leaders throughout the world. To kick us off, Leesa Drake, Senior Human Resources Business Partner + Director at Milliman, one of the world’s largest independent actuarial and consulting firms with offices worldwide is preparing for their “new normal”.

Leesa Drake, Senior Human Resources Business Partner + Director at Milliman

1) How is your company preparing for return to work? 

Taking feedback from an internal survey, we are not requiring anyone to return to the office until September 1st. As the COVID-19 situation continues to unfold we will evaluate whether that date needs to be pushed back.

While we support everyone to continue working from home, beginning June 22nd, we will have a “soft opening” and allow a maximum capacity of 20% per floor. The building and our organization has put strict safety guidelines in place for common areas including mandatory mask wearing, more frequent sanitizing of high-touch surfaces and no more than three people in an elevator at a time.

2) What are your biggest takeaways from having your employees work from home during the pandemic?

Historically, we have not been a work-from-home culture. However, by all accounts working from home seems to be going very well. Our partners seem satisfied, and more importantly, our clients have been satisfied. We are proud of our response to the COVID situation and how quickly we moved people out and got them set up to be productive at home.

3) How do you plan to support ongoing employee mental and emotional wellness? 

We are blending work and life in ways we have never had to manage before and we know that single people who live alone and may feel isolated, are having a very different experience than someone with a family and young children who feel like they seldom get quiet time alone. Everyone is having challenges and an easy week doesn’t mean smooth sailing from here on out because an easy week (or day, or hour) can be followed by a hard one for no apparent reason.

Last summer we ran a meditation program with Chill as part of our summer wellness program and many employees continue to meditate. We have an outstanding Employee Assistance Program. We are encouraging managers to consider the right frequency of contact with their team members. And we have groups that plan regular opportunities to connect ranging from informal lunches to playing games together.

4) What are you most cautious of as your employees return to work?

As we plan for our soft opening I hope most people continue to work from home, where they are safest. Approximately 75% of our colleagues take public transportation and that is a significant risk factor. Coming into the office will be different than prior to COVID-19. Employees will have to wear masks any time they are up and moving around the office and the significantly reduced capacity means that we will still be holding meetings online. To me, it’s not worth the risk. I encourage everyone to stay safe in their homes.

Planning your reopening strategy can be complex. Chill Anywhere is here to help you and your people feel less stressed and more mindful while being productive and safe. Reach out to steven@chillanywhere.com to learn more.