COVID-19 may have changed how employees work together but it hasn’t stopped the Numerica Credit Union team from continuing to support each other and the community during challenging times.
One of the ways the member-owned credit union came together was by establishing an Employees Supporting Employees fund to help coworkers in financial need. Since it was established in March, Numerica employees have donated more than $40,000 to the fund. Employees in need can receive financial support from the fund, to help with groceries, gas and other expenses. Coworkers make donations in the form of cash and personal time off converted to cash equivalents.
While none of Numerica’s 575 employees have been furloughed due to the health crisis, like much of the community, team member’s families have experienced job loss and financial uncertainty.
“The fund was an opportunity to help reduce the anxiety many of us are feeling in these difficult times. This is one important way we can support and empower each other even when we can’t all be together at work,” said Cindy Leaver, Chief Strategy Officer.
Technology has also allowed the credit union teams to stay connected. This included holding their recent Annual Meeting virtually with over 100 attendees, meetings and even offering social opportunities like a “virtual happy hour.” The use of digital meetings internally has increased 300-percent since March 15.
While community involvement might look different during this time, Numerica’s passion for building communities persists. While previously volunteering in masses, Numerica employees and their families have now turned to sewing almost 600 masks to protect their colleagues on the front lines. Numerica has also found innovative ways to connect, including a virtual financial education class for a local Girl Scout troop, text queues to allow for visits in branches, and launching a video chat option at one of their branch locations.
“Last year, Numerica employees volunteered more than 21,500 hours in the community. Social distancing may mean that they can’t volunteer the same way, so it’s important to look for other ways to lend a helping hand,” explained Leaver.
“These are just new ways of delivering the special Numerica experience in the workplace and the community,” said Leaver. “Caring for others is the bedrock of our culture and that continues to thrive whether we’re together in person or remotely. This has been especially true in the face of the current uncertainty.”