As the world closely monitors and tracks the spread and impact of the new corona virus, business leaders are making decisions about how to mitigate the risk and keep everyone safe and healthy. In the government contracting community, executives are enacting procedures and policies to protect employees, customers and partners while continuing to provide government agencies with the services, solutions and mission-critical support they need.
In this series, WashingtonExec will highlight these leaders and how they are tackling this crisis, in an effort to share best practices in industry and shed light on the virus’ impact on the nation.
Bill Malone, Executive Vice President, Coalfire Federal
Bill Malone leads the federal services practice within Coalfire, leveraging 25 years of experience leading people, serving clients and growing business in the federal market in IT and cybersecurity. Coalfire provides government clients with solutions in cyber automation, engineering and orchestration; compliance and advisory services; cyber program management and operations; and technical security assessments. So, WashingtonExec asked Malone just how the government services business is adapting during the COVID-19 crisis.
What innovative workplace policies/practices has your company embraced to minimize the impact of COVID-19?
Coalfire closed all corporate offices on March 16. The companywide closure is in effect and we continue to assess the situation.
A standing communication is sent each Friday with updates, and we established an internal portal where employees can get the latest information. To minimize impact, we are leveraging collaboration tools already in place, including MS Teams, Slack and GoToMeeting, which enables our project teams to work closely together (while socially distanced).
- COVID-19 cyber attack swat team: To monitor COVID-19 related malware and attacks in the market. Maintaining block on what we are seeing and keeping it
- Webinar on keeping remote workers secure
- Customer resource center
- Our resource center: The information spans a variety of topics and formats to help you understand the implications of remote work on compliance projects, provide cybersecurity tips for companies and individual employees when working remotely and share the latest cyberthreats and attacks we see related to COVID-19 and pandemic preparedness.
- Leveraging video capabilities to do what was once required on site reviews — e.g., data centers
What has your company done to keep morale up internally for employees?
Slack and some of the other tools have helped maintain a sense of community and continue to support our customers. We provide regular communication on COVID and have set up an internal portal where employees can access the latest information. Our communication team has provided additional guidance and resources for working remotely, coping and mental health, employee assistance programs and other tips for overall health and well-being.
- Allocated money for employees to expense “take out” meals to support local economy
- Around-the-globe virtual happy hours
How has the policy for travel or attending large conferences changed?
All Coalfire employees were provided guidance to cancel all work-related travel. If a conference or event is local, an employee may attend, but they are strongly encouraged to practice social distancing and follow local guidance regarding large gatherings and meetings. Many areas have advised against or prohibited gatherings of fewer than 10. If an employee is planning to attend a work conference or event, they have should notify their manager.