08/26/2020 | CRESCENT CRISIS MANAGEMENT |
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"When dealing with a pandemic you have so much on your mind. I can't pretend everything is normal."
Interview with Bryan Homer on Crescent, COVID, and Crisis Management
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As we confront a global health crisis as a company, we are strengthened by years of experience that have shown us that change is always possible even when problems seem insurmountable. The coronavirus is an invisible adversary, and it knows no borders. In this way, the crisis also reminds us of our common humanity and the need for connection. Reinforcing that to Do it Right, Do it Safe, and Do it Well, is genuinely a global value. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has touched all aspects of society, including how we work.
It's been comforting to see Crescent meet the COVID-19 challenges with such creativity, heart, and kindness. It's easy to be a leader when things are going well, but much more difficult to lead when things are going badly. In these uncertain times, how we all respond will have a lasting impact on our behaviors, including engagement, productivity, loyalty, and well-being.
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I had a chance to talk with Bryan Homer, Sr. Co-Pack Operations Manager for Crescent's E1 site, to gather insights on this exact topic and why taking care of people during the COVID-19 pandemic, is crucial.
"When you are dealing with a pandemic, it is so hard. I don't want to pretend that everything is normal, because it's not. You can't truly grasp how great it is to have our leadership' information to communicate to everyone. We are genuinely all in this together. At work, I make sure that I give people time to digest all of this, time to ask questions, and for me, sometimes, that means just being available.
Even though we have had many great things come down from corporate to support us all, I think the most significant support we have given everyone is being available for face to face conversation and hearing everyone's concerns. For E1, that has been very important, even the tough questions, like is everything going to be alright? What's going to happen to us? When will this end? I can't answer everything; I don't know what I don't know, no one does. But what we do know is how to stop it. The most significant focus here is safety; be responsible, wear your masks, wear your gloves, wash your hands, social distance, and keep each other at the forefront of your mind. Another significant factor is that honesty is the best policy. When you are a leader, it's essential to make people aware that I may not know the answer, but I am here for them, the best way I know-how. As a group, we acknowledge the feelings that we all have and remain transparent with everything. That is what builds a team, whether its production or personal, talk about it, and support each other".
This pandemic has demonstrated how critical it is for us to embrace humanity; take time to understand and care for one another. The same concepts are being brought to the focal point in many industries around the globe. According to Forbes CEO council, many big-name organizations, are asking, "We have found ourselves asking, how can I make sure 'People' is prioritized in my business? Not just in health and safety, but life and wellbeing. And why didn't we have these things before?" - President of UNFOLD and CEO of the Academy of Tomorrow.
"I am going to say that Crescent adequately supports our People. I am saying that even though operations are a priority, we still have taken the time to direct people to the different tools to manage life and work during this crisis even at work. Such as the short term leave, donated PTO, having the nurses here. It's wonderful! The relief I have is knowing that I have options to provide People and resources that work. I feel like I am part of a bigger team fighting this.
It has been great to get insights and information to help us navigate through all the news and back and forth. Personally, when COVID started, I was anxious, who wasn't? What has helped us and me for that matter is knowing that we aren't just sitting here waiting for the world to update us. We are actively involved in all of this. I mean we, get the updates sent from the Crisis Management Team, the communications that you send update us, educate us, and keep us connected, and we can talk to every person and answer questions. Plus going through this information as a team every day has helped with the anxiety and builds trust and a family culture like none other. There is a lot of information out there, and we don't have to decipher this alone."
We have learned that Crescent's existing financial, medical, and mental health benefits were well designed to help people through this crisis. We expanded these offerings to include additional services, like free telemedicine consults, onsite testing, and more tailored to this specific crisis. Everything we do is through the lens of care and support. That's our culture. When you get the culture right, everything else falls into place, and there is no better time to let that shine than right now.
- Crescent added 100% coverage for diagnostic testing and the associated visit related to COVID-19.
- Immediate paid medical leave for any Crescent person diagnosed with COVID-19.
- Access to free mental health professionals, via phone or text, through the Employee Assistance Program.
- Free financial planning support through Fifth Third Bank.
- 100% coverage for virtual doctor visits and online health care services.
- Well-being modules and challenges geared to staying physically and mentally healthy.
"I remember when we got that letter from Damian. It said that we are essential. That meant a lot, especially when you are going through something like this and thinking about your tomorrow. You start dealing with that question, what is my value? Having to cope and go through this unknown is hard, you are working to support your family, your health, and then that thought, will I have a job tomorrow comes to you. What do you do with it?
To see the communication stating that we are essential, that we matter– it eased my mind so much. I brought it home to my family, and for them to see this, it affirmed a lot for us and everyone. I work for a great company, and because of that, I don't have to carry the same burdens others have had with their jobs. I am grateful for that. My team is thankful for the things Crescent has put in place to support us, not just here, but even at home."
Talking to Bryan and hearing his story was uplifting and affirming. I hope it drives home the bigger picture surrounding all that we do. We are getting through this crisis with a few scratches, but we are not out, and we are not defeated. I am glad that we have gone above and beyond to show incredible support to our People and their families during this stressful, scary, and uncertain time.
With everything going virtual, Crescent has found ways to ensure we continue to reach each other and work to keep Crescent moving forward, remain connected, and accomplish our goals.
"We know we have to change, and people don't like change. But we have the best and the brightest people working here to navigate this storm.
Tasha, my group, is going through the level four mosaic with Damian, and we got to complete the first level 4 mosaic virtually! My whole team, this was so exciting!
Everyone got to attend this virtually from our PCs, and no one was left out. We are still pushing forward. I was able to get the cameras needed, and everyone was engaged. I love it! It is nice to see my team, my company, not letting COVID slow us down. Virtually or not, we are doing big things, and I can't wait to see what happens next."
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Forklift Safety with Forklift Trainer Chris Harris
Operators balance numerous practices to perform work safely
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OSHA estimates that 35,000 severe injuries and 62,000 non-serious injuries involving forklifts occur annually. Further, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that 96 U.S. workers were killed in incidents involving forklifts in 2015.
Forklift safety is paramount when it comes to our People's security and our mission to Do it Right, Safe and Well. Here at Crescent, we take precautions to ensure that our workers feel safe, safe, and safe. Kate Taylor got the chance to speak to Chris Harris, the Operations Lead for Logistics, and Forklift Trainer for Crescent GE to gather tips and insights for forklift safety and how works to keep his team safe.
Kate Taylor: Hi Chris! We know that forklift safety is not only essential but vital to keep our operation safe. Would you mind sharing with me what safety precautions does Crescent take when it comes to forklift safety?
Chris Harris: You are absolutely right! Some forklift safety precautions to avoid injuries is to get to know the basics of a forklift. Whether you have ever worked on a forklift or have a certification from a previous job at Crescent, you still need to go through a class and take a test. We train all people to be aware of their surroundings and to stay diligent. This is to ensure that everyone at Crescent is up to date with the forklift safety, equipment, precautions, environment, etc.
Kate Taylor: That is wonderful to hear! Is once enough to ensure all forklift operators know the safety rules and check-ins needed to be safe on equipment and how to keep other people safe?
Chris Harris: Training and repetition are important. We renew our forklift certifications, review proper procedures daily that includes check-ins. Sometimes this even entails that our workers retake the test.
Kate Taylor: I am glad that we take those precautions, as forklift injuries can be severe and even fatal. Did you mentioned check-ins? What does the daily inspection look like before anyone gets onto a forklift for the day?
Chris Harris: Before anyone operates a forklift for the day, they inspect the equipment to ensure everything is running smoothly. Every person who gets onto a forklift has to complete the flow checklist, where you check the forklift to make sure everything is working, and no one gets hurt once they start to operate one. This means they check the lights, gauges, the horns, the battery, brakes, overhead guards- you are completing a complete inspection. Another critical step is to make sure that the forks of the forklift are working correctly.
Kate Taylor: Really, why is that?
Chris Harris: The forks are the part of the forklift responsible for lifting and holding cargo. Checking to see whether the forks are bent or worn at the beginning of each shift can help prevent accidents. Make sure that no cracks are present, the positioning latches are in good working condition, and that the carriage teeth are not broken, chipped, or worn.
Kate Taylor: If the forks were bent or chipped, what could happen?
Chris Harris: Anything that you lift on a forklift, you want to make sure it is secure. You don't want anything to fall- product damages, head injuries- forklifts are powerful equipment.
Kate Taylor: Driving a forklift plays a significant role here at Crescent, and it seems that the safety in doing so is just as important? Are there any other safety precautions that you teach your new forklift operators that you would like to share?
Chris Harris: Sure! Lastly, we implement a floor marking system. A pedestrian walkway to show where people can walk and a section for the forklifts to avoid collisions, much like driving on the road. Our forklift lanes are forklifts only, and anyone who needs to work within that area must wear a safety vest along with the forklift operator. The safety vest ensures that you can identify people from afar and keep them as well as yourself safe. Here at Crescent, safety is a constant focus.
Kate Taylor: Thank you, Chris! In the course of any given day, a forklift undergoes immense amounts of stress. For this reason, it is critical to inspect a forklift before operation thoroughly.
I am glad to know that you are teaching our forklift operators how to Do it Right, Do it Safe and Do it Well to ensure forklift safety, efficiency, and productivity.
Do you have questions about Forklift Safety? Contact your supervisor, site certified forklift trainer or reach out to Chris Harris at CHarris@crescentpark.com for additional information.
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5 Benefits of Preventative Health
That Could SAVE Your Life
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Crescent’s medical benefits plan covers all preventive visits at 100%; it is because we understand that regular medical check-ups are among the best ways to maintain health and wellbeing without worrying about medical costs.
Chronic diseases are preventable when detected early through screening tests. Diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease are more comfortable to treat in the beginning. Many of us will not think twice about visiting the doctor when we are sick. But miss the necessity and benefits of preventive care. The goal of preventive medicine is to maintain good health throughout your lifetime and to extend your lifespan. Prevention of chronic diseases involves self-care like eating a healthy diet, having a consistent exercise routine, and giving up unhealthy behaviors (smoking cessation, drinking). While visiting your doctor once a year for a physical and mental health screen throughout every stage of your life is imperative. A primary care physician is essential to help an individual navigate to good health and stay healthy; preventing disease by identifying risk factors; coordinating and managing chronic disease care for longevity and a better quality of life.
Five benefits of preventive care include:
- Help remove or decrease painful or uncomfortable symptoms of chronic disease
- Ability to be active and take part in life’s activities
- Help prevent large medical bills
- Increases lifespan
- Treatment of chronic diseases is easier.
The benefits of preventive health care are essential in curtailing chronic diseases. There are some lifestyle changes you can make on your own to maintain good health and wellbeing. The goal of preventive medicine is for you to enjoy your life without having unpleasant symptoms. And enjoying your life leads to a better overall quality of life.
Find a primary care physician today and take advantage of preventative screenings by visiting www.aetna.com or contacting your primary doctor.
*To take advantage of the 100% coverage of preventive screening, you must be enrolled in Crescent benefits provided through Aetna.*
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Women’s Equality Day is celebrated every August 26, commemorates the passage of women’s suffrage in the U.S., and reminds us of the hurdles overcome by the heroic women who faced violence and discrimination to propel the women’s movement forward.
At Crescent, we stand for Generation Equality: Realizing Women's Rights for an equal future!
Learn more about Women's Equality Day
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