We at Nolij recognize the severity of Covid-19 and the health and financial impact it has had on people around the world. I would like to take a moment to thank essential workers and first responders for their dedication during the pandemic and helping us get through these trying times. The Nolij family continues to do their part to stay safe and healthy by taking all the precautionary measures recommended by the CDC and local government agencies.

Nolij is a compassionate and family-oriented company. Pivoting to an all-remote workforce challenged us to find new ways to remain engaged with and support our employees.

Dealing with Anxiety and Stress

Coronavirus has created anxiety and stress in many organizations. I believe empathy and compassion can be an antidote. Our HR team is working tirelessly to communicate regularly with employees through in-depth newsletters providing Covid-19 guidance and tips and tricks for teleworking and conducting check-in calls asking employees if they and their families are doing okay. Employees are facing unique challenges with adult children returning home, spouses working from home, and children attending school online. I know times are stressful. These circumstances require us to look beyond just business performance and to focus on caring for and supporting one another.

Active Engagement in the New Normal

I sincerely believe that active engagement can help us weather these trying times. I am aware teleworking has drawbacks, including social and professional isolation, decreased information-sharing opportunities, and difficulty separating work and personal time. To bridge the gap, we have stepped up be-in-touch activities that include a mixture of work and play to help employees feel connected. We sent care packages with both treats and masks. We have increased online collaboration, conducting daily video meetings with internal teams and team members. We are hosting after-hours online events like happy hours, Pictionary game night, and weekly yoga classes. It is the little things that will make all the difference.

Supporting the Community

We are all in this together. We take pride in giving back to our community and know it is needed now more than ever. This year it has been our honor to support:

• Inova Children’s Hospital- Supporting frontline workers and the Covid-19 Research Fund
• Women Veterans Interactive- Supporting women Veterans as they return to civilian life
• Operation Renewed Hope Foundation- Helping to end Veteran homelessness in the DC metropolitan region

Preparation for a safe return

With encouraging news from the CDC coming out on the Covid-19 vaccine and improved treatment procedures, we are hopeful that in early 2021, we will see a gradual return of the workforce. I can’t wait until we are all safe and together again.