HR Answers: Credit unions transition to a new way to work
How CUs have tackled working from home and communication with staff during the coronavirus crisis.
Last month, credit unions around the country, along with other businesses of all types and sizes, found themselves suddenly faced with a crisis that would upend “business as usual” and impact staff, members and communities.
The coronavoris or, more specifically, COVID-19, had impacted people in all 50 states by the end of March, and had resulted in a myriad of state, county and local stay in place and stay at home orders. While some locations (such as New York and Louisiana) have been impacted more dramatically than others, literally no community has gone unscathed. As the media carried daily reports of new diagnoses, and deaths, and federal and state government agencies scrambled to make critical, and highly sensitive decisions to protect both public health and the economy, credit unions quickly emerged as one of a number of “essential businesses” meaning that they could stay open to serve member needs but also, in some cases, requiring employees to continue to report to work. Others were able to leverage prior experience with remote work and online services. All remained focus on member—and staff—needs.
Transitioning to a New Way of Working
Wednesday, March 18 was the final day that $4 billion Corporate America Credit Union, Irondale, Alabama, had staff physically in its offices serving members. “It was a hard decision,” says Pete Pritts, president/CEO. Information had been changing rapidly, he says, but in hindsight, he says, “I believe it turned out to be the right decision.”
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