Page 83 - FDCC Pandemic Book

Living in a Pandemic: A Collection of Stories on Coping, Resilience & Hope
pop-ins. We held weekly virtual group meetings and replaced our department lunch gatherings with ones in which employees shared photos of what they were cooking and ideas for takeout. We shared “team spirit” photos of our staff wearing blue for autism awareness month, enjoying the outdoors, pictures of pets, and celebrating holidays.
It quickly became clear that staying connected was paramount to our success. I began a Friday “State of the Firm” email encompassing staff recognition, company updates, and keeping everyone apprised of how the firm was handling the pandemic. This became part of the weekly routine. More than anything, maintaining connectivity with coworkers was at the forefront for the entire firm during the transition.
I immediately learned the advantage of being flexible and adapting. This crisis necessitated a shift in focus and a reorganization of priorities. Of critical importance was servicing our clients, which our lawyers continued to do without missing a beat. They became experts in Zoom depositions, attending virtual conferences, and publishing on social media. This seemed to be the easy part. The greater challenge was ensuring (as best I could) the well-being of our employees. I reconfigured my priorities during the first months in my new position, focusing on the firm’s role in
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