First and foremost, I’d like to wish everyone reading this health and safety.
I’d also like to take a moment to acknowledge our situation. During these trying times, it can be difficult to find comfort. While it may be tough in the present, it’s helpful to remember that these times are not permanent. This moment will pass and we will get through it together.
As a 74 year-old glazing company, Giroux Glass has seen its share of challenging times. When the Great Recession hit 10 years ago, we were faced with job bankruptcies, a nearly 40% loss of staff, a maxed-out credit line and frozen bonding. And yet, we made it through. Today we are bigger and stronger than ever.
During this time, we are staying present and aware of the situation —keeping in close communication with our employees and clients, and monitoring patterns in the industry at large. We are concentrating all of our efforts on stabilizing our business while keeping focused on where we want to be when the pandemic is over. And when this is over, we will have our re-emerge plan ready to execute.
At a time like this, there is no such thing as over-communication, especially when over 85% of our staff is working remotely, in the field, or at alternating work locations. It’s more important than ever to be in constant contact with our teams, reminding them that although it may seem like an eternity, this situation really is temporary, and we remain connected both professionally and on a personal level. Through our increased communication, we will:
Be informative and accessible
We are keeping up-to-date on daily changes and on resources that we can share. In addition to national and local news, we’re checking AGC , ENR, and others daily for industry-wide developments, and staying tuned in with glazing-specific trade publications and associations.
It is our aim to foster an environment in which our teams feel safe to voice their honest concerns — to vent and be open with what they’re experiencing.
Adapt and evolve
There are some tangible benefits to this unprecedented time: it’s providing an opportunity to reevaluate large-scale business practices. It’s allowing teams to tackle longstanding ‘rainy day projects’ that the normal hustle and bustle of work tends to eclipse. It’s allowing employees to enjoy more flexibility in their work schedules, reducing commutes and increasing family time. And, of course, it’s making it totally acceptable – for those working at home – to wear pajamas all day long!
Remain optimistic
Whether it’s sharing optimistic news, reminding everyone of inspiring past projects as well as those still on the horizon, or even something as simple as exchanging a funny social post, finding ways to lighten the mood and incorporate some fun into our world is key for the health of any organization.
As leaders, our companies are looking to us to foster confidence in our future. There is no place for false hopes; but not much good results from doom-and-gloom predictions. Remaining connected to the reality of the situation, yet optimistic of its outcome is the best example we can set for everyone we work with.
Resilience and teamwork
We at Giroux Glass wish all of you the ability to reflect back enough to remember lessons learned, but mainly to focus on the present, the blessings of being valued as an “essential business,” and our even brighter future; one filled with stronger planning abilities, more resilient teams and the reminder that we are all in this together.
Sending health and happiness to you and your loved ones.
Sincerely,
Nataline Lomedico
CEO and President, Giroux Glass