Dear CEO Staff,
On April 5, 2020 the Governor extended the Executive Orders relating to New York on Pause through April 29, 2020. While we look forward to resuming normal programming, the reality of the significant impact of this pandemic on NYS has forced us to begin planning for the possibility that these orders may very well be extend beyond the 29th. Every day we are becoming more aware of families that are having difficulty feeding their children or are struggling to manage the stress of broken routines. This makes our role in their lives even more significant. Although we are restricted in what we can do to help with essential services or remote work, it is even more important that we try to do as much as possible. It is inspiring how many of you have found creative and innovative ways to implement and provide non-traditional services through virtual learning and/or supportive services. Keep up the great work!
Going forward, we must meet the challenges of this national crisis. As a result, we are making some adjustments to meet the increasing demands for food pantry and emergency services assistance. We are also reestablishing programming and work routines to maintain our service model and to support our mission to serve our communities in need. Beginning April 13, 2020, our essential services programs and staff will be resuming their normal hours to meet the needs of our customers. The service model will include the same visitor restrictions and contactless services for the safety of our staff and customers.
All staff who are working remotely will also be asked to resume typical hours and perform work or be available during their normal hours daily to meet the program expectations/deliverables and complete all assigned duties, including family/customer contacts to check in and help assess the needs of our customers. Throughout the last few weeks we have learned that “remote working” is a new and different way of working, however, the expectations of accountability and productivity remain the same, with the exception of requested Paid Time Off (PTO) to account for non-work time. Please note that although we are all under a “stay at home” order, staff are encouraged to periodically request PTO for a break in routine. It is vitally important to take time to unplug from work, turn off the constant newsfeeds, and focus on something that adds value to your life. As the weather is getting nicer, take a walk to get fresh air in a manner that observes social distancing and breaks up your routine, read a book and relax. We need you and care about our CEO team!
As a reminder, if anyone is unable to work remotely for personal reasons during this pandemic period, they are encouraged to contact the Human Resources department to discuss options available for paid family leave established by the federal government to assist employees impacted by COVID-19.
Also, please be advised that anyone scheduled for an April 1st raise will receive their raise when normal programming resumes, with all raises retroactive to April 1st. I would also like to take a moment to remind staff that our administrative team is here for you too. If this situation has had a significant impact on you, please reach out for assistance to Human Resources at sgoodwin@ceoempowers.org.
Thank you for your dedication and commitment. I am proud to be a part of such an amazing organization – the Team CEO!
Stay safe and continue to follow all CDC guidelines to help reduce the spread!
Sincerely,
Katherine