The latest business updates in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic will be posted here.
COVID-19 UPDATE
Like each of you, we’ve been monitoring the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation closely as it has continued to evolve around the world. We’ve been taking action over time to ensure appropriate sanitization of our workspaces, freezing international and domestic travel, and allowing employees the flexibility needed to work from home if they recently traveled through a ‘hot zone’, displayed symptoms of illness, or otherwise needed to self-quarantine.
At this point we believe further precaution is required in light of the global governmental and private sector push toward “social distancing” to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Please utilize Skype and other virtual tools to continue connecting with other employees and customers during this unprecedented time. This is a period of great uncertainty for many of us and our business is no exception, which is why it is as important as ever that we continue our focus on winning in this market and not allowing this situation to put us behind.
Together, we will have a stronger team and a stronger business on the other side of this crisis.
Please see the Do’s and Don’ts below to ensure we all are clear on how the business will operate until further notice. Continue to monitor my.gecurrent.com for updates.
A Letter to Our Customers
This letter explains Current's focus and business function during this time. Please use it when communicating with customers.
DO
- Work from home if you are an office-based worker.
- Apply hand sanitizer and/or wash hands with soap and water any time you enter a Current facility.
- Follow the safety protocols being instituted in the Plants and Distribution Centers.
- Communicate regularly with your Manager & HR Manager, and check this page for updates.
DO NOT
- Travel for any reason, without approval by your Senior Leadership Team Member and Brooke Cardarella, CHRO.
- Work from any Current site other than the location assigned to you. If your principal location is an office, do not go to a plant or distribution center without prior approval by your Senior Leadershp Team Member and Brooke Cardarella.
- Enter a facility if you, or someone you've had recent contact with, are displaying any symptoms (primarily fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath).
- Attend group meetings or conferences with more than 10 participants.
- Share equipment or belongings that have not been appropriately disinfected with either a solution of 60% alcohol or other disinfectant solution.
COVID-19 FAQs
Internal use only- NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION
What was announced today?
Today, Current announced that effective Tuesday, March 17, all office-based employees, globally*, will be transitioning to a virtual workforce until further notice. We will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates as necessary.
* This will not apply in China, where employees are beginning to return to work per national controls.
What can I share with customers and suppliers about how Current is responding to COVID-19?
You can share that Current is closely monitoring the situation and our actions will continue to evolve as necessary to balance the needs of our customers, with the safety and wellbeing of our employees and the communities in which we operate. To date Current has:
- Frozen all travel, both internationally and domestically with limited exceptions;
- Reinforced CDC recommendations for hygiene and given employees flexibility to self-quarantine or work from home when appropriate;
- Effective March 17, we are moving to a full virtual workforce for all office-based employees; and
- Plants and distribution centers have increased cleaning and sanitation schedules and will be transitioning to smaller work teams with staggered schedules to minimize interactions.
- Even with these precautions we anticipate that there could be delays to scheduled deliveries.
We’ll work with customers to assemble and ship most critical orders first.
What if I prefer to go to the office and not work virtually?
While some offices may be accessible, they will be closed. Transitioning to a virtual environment is for the safety of each employee and the broader community. There are several tip sheets available to help make the transition, like this article from NPR.
What to do if I have a business-essential reason to go to the office?
There are situations where accessing an office facility will be required, such as the labs in Nela Park for example. If your role requires you to continue coming to an office location, your manager will discuss this with you directly, including reinforcement of safety protocols.
If you believe you require access and have not been contacted, please reach out to your manager or HR Manager.
What if I have small kids at home due to school closures?
This is an unprecedented time and we understand some employees may have small children at home while working virtually. Please work with your manager and HRM to discuss any concerns you have and how we may be able to support your continued productivity while balancing your needs at home.
Are we also closing our plants?
No, we will continue to operate our plants and distribution centers, with increased sanitation and safety protocols, in order to keep our business running. It is critical during this time of uncertainty that we continue delivering for our customers and communities to maintain a healthy business.
I’m a salaried employee who works in a plant should I be working remote?
Many salaried roles in the plants are required for the ongoing operation of the facility. Please work with your Manager to determine the best arrangement based on the scope of your role and your ability to perform necessary functions remotely. The preference is to move people to virtual work wherever possible.
Can I purchase home office equipment because I’m remote now?
This transition to a virtual workforce is temporary and we look forward to bringing our teams back together in our offices and, as a result, we are not providing funding to create home workspaces.
If you incur a minor expense (e.g. printing) as a result of this arrangement, please discuss this with your manager to determine if reimbursement may be available. If you have an ongoing need, please discuss with your manager to determine a solution.
Where do I go for help connecting remotely?
You can find helpful information on it.gecurrent.com. Or contact the support team by:
- Logging a support ticket here
- Calling the help desk:
- US/China: 1 833-551-5777
- Canada: 1 844-563-9103
- Mexico: 52-800-062-3754
- Australia: 61-1800-316-809
- UK: 44-808-169-7278
- Sending an email to: Current.ITHelpdesk@gecurrent.com
What should I do if I relied on my desk phone to make and receive external calls?
All Cisco phones have the ability to forward calls to an alternate number. Simply select CFwdALL from the phone home screen and enter the phone number where you are forwarding the calls.
If you need further support, please contact the help desk.
What should I do if I have business-essential travel required?
All travel has been frozen until further notice. If you feel your travel can absolutely not be avoided, send an email to travel.admin@gecurrent.com once you’ve obtained manager and SLT approval for the trip. It will be reviewed and you’ll be notified if you can proceed.
What if the media contacts me?
All media inquiries should be directed internally to Melissa Wesorick or to our external media partner:
Anna Halstead c/o Racepoint Global
T: +1 617 624 3492 | M: +1 617 999 7875
ahalstead@racepointglobal.com
Where can I learn more about COVID-19?
There are many resources available to learn more about COVID-19. We recommend you start with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other reputable news sources.
If you feel Ill or symptomatic (cough/fever/troubling breathing/chills) contact your medical provider immediately and follow his or her instructions. If you are enrolled in Current benefits, you can take advantage of Virtual Visits, if you choose. For emergencies, dial 911.