Re: Hello, world!
Dear Earth Inc.,
Thank you for the opportunity to get in touch!
There’s two important things I wanted to address - the events of our half yearly report and a roadmap for the future.
From the top, our FY began with a fire sale in our Australian offices. While this was to be expected, unfortunately it has been our worst on record. As a previous employee of the Sydney branch, I commend them on their efforts to mitigate the losses though this reflects very poorly on us as a company. We are still deep in the red with our climate KPIs and our capital is running out - fast. We need to get it together.
Then there is the issue of our Hong Kong division. With mounting pressure from the local unions, this is not a good look for our PR. I know this has been buried under the recent issues but it will only serve as a brand risk if we choose to ignore it. In saying that, the HR policy for transferral to our UK branches are a welcome touch.
To our biggest challenge so far - and the reason I am writing to you from my home and not my desk, the COVID-19 crisis. We have really dropped the ball on this one. Everyone being on the same page is vital to survive this bear market and several management divisions have not stepped up to the plate. Layoffs were inevitable though this was not helped by the inexcusable disregard for our company’s policies. I want to remind everyone that our current safety policy is in place for a reason and it is non-negotiable. Wear the required safety equipment. Please.
To simply put it, our 2020 results have been less than optimal for our bottom line. Now the question is - where do we go from here? Our previous yearly forecasts have already repeated what we should all know though let’s have a short reminder.
1. Sustainability is THE key to survive in our industry.
The opportunity cost of having profit over people has been detrimental. I urge our management to have a serious discussion and commit to the recommendations from our Science/R&D division. Our ESG needs to get better and I know it can get better. We are a world-class company after all.
2. Leadership must be accountable.
As an entry-level employee, we are easily restricted to having a narrow view of what’s around us - and it especially applies for an organization as large as ours. In that sense, this also goes both ways. Management too often sees regions as a whole entity and not as a community of individuals. This has led to one too many unnecessary legal battles that seek to divide us all. From the words of one our past Culture Leaders:
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
Which brings me to the most vital point...
3. We’re in this together.
Our company is just one in a sea of giants and superstars. We tend to forget that the vast market does not care about how or if we survive - it is up to us. I urge everyone to take care of your fellow employee, seek help in these challenging times, and shine your light to those that are left in the dark.
As my final words, I would like to reiterate my belief that we can overcome this year within our company spirit. I know our future milestones from here will have the potential to be history-making and that together, anything and everything is possible. Please look after one another and I hope to talk more soon.
With kindest & sincerest regards,
Your fellow Earthling