Action Categories

Future State COVID Response

Challenge

We recognized that some of our team members were experiencing more financial burden during COVID-19, in addition to the stress of the pandemic. Some may have been facing housing insecurity, or expenses from family caregiving or medical expenses, and we knew that not all team members would be comfortable sharing about these burdens with their managers or teams. We also had shifted a large portion of our giving budget towards efforts to mitigate racism and inequity in our local community, but not to direct relief to team members. We wanted to prevent any additional burdens that might arise from predatory payday loans, or increased debt.

Actions

Our solution was to launch an anonymous Grant program for team members, with a simple self-certification process, which freed up direct funds, in amounts up to $2,500 per grant, to support unexpected medical expenses, housing expenses, or child care expenses, and to fill the gap of lost income from partners and spouses.

Outcomes

Over the course of the program duration, nearly 10% of our workforce has accessed these funds, and we have given more than $20,000 in grants. The most common reason is the loss of income of a spouse/partner, followed by housing insecurity, and finally unexpected medical expenses. We will continue this program as an emergency response solution that maintains confidentiality, and allows team members to alleviate stress, and find a way in these challenging times.

Contact

Shannon Adkins

Quote

Business is the most powerful force on the planet, and CEOs have a duty to ensure that we leave our communities, our customers, our employees and our planet better off. A key element is to work with diligent attention and transparency towards a world that works for everyone, that provides equity and opportunity for all, and that ensures that the business models, mindsets and behaviors of our teams, and all of our policies and processes do no harm. For this reason, I am proud to be a part of this pledge, and a leader in building a more inclusive and equitable world.

Shannon Adkins
CEO, Future State
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