Hello everyone.
The times we are living right now are unlike any most of us have lived through. Uncertainty. Fear. Anxiety. We are bombarded with news and social media about this pandemic and it can be overwhelming. I know. I feel it, too.
But there are also stories of generosity and caring and hope. We’ve had donations of masks and gloves dropped off at our doors. Teachers are doing ‘drive-bys’ to tell their students they love and miss them.
People are stocking Little Pantries to help their neighbors who are struggling. The Chicago Aquarium is letting their penguins wander freely and allowing US to watch them. Our own residents are making cloth masks for us to use as well as donate to those in need. Given the beautiful weather today, we are even firing up the grill and having our first Social Distancing Picnic in Springfield!
These are uncertain times, but not unhopeful times. We will return to normal eventually. And when we do, I will be so proud to have been part of this incredible team.
We started preparing weeks ago at all of our campuses to make sure we had the proper policies and guidelines in place. Because of you and all of your actions, we are ahead of many other organizations in dealing with this pandemic.
As I mentioned in my previous message, we want to recognize all of your hard work and dedication during this difficult time, and in recognition for the outstanding team effort by all, we want to share some very exciting news with you. We have implemented a temporary pay increase for every employee in which you will receive an additional $2.00 per hour for each hour you work, starting Monday, March 22, 2020 through the end of day Saturday, April 18th, 2020. Our hope is that this will help to alleviate any financial pressures that this crisis has put upon you and your families.
This pay practice is being deemed our Essential Workforce Recognition Pay, and you will be seeing this in your paychecks on April 10th and April 24th. This is intended to show each of you how much we appreciate your hard work and dedication to all of our residents and your fellow employees.
These are unprecedented times, and with that comes heroic efforts by our Team Members every day. This temporary pay increase is to THANK YOU all for being our OMH heroes!
Scott Buchanan, CEO
The Ohio Masonic Home