Page:(Covid-19) Lightening the load and preparing for the future.pdf/1

 FROM: Katherine Maher, Wikimedia Foundation CEO TO: All Wikimedia Foundation staff SUBJECT LINE: [Covid-19] Lightening the load and preparing for the future SEND DATE/TIME: 14 March, 2020, 00:24 UTC LICENSING: CC0: No rights reserved

Hi everyone,

We find ourselves in remarkable circumstances this month. The COVID-19 epidemic is something that makes clear our global human interconnectedness and the responsibilities we have to one another. We don’t have precedent for its challenges, but we do know that our best response relies on the sort of global empathy, cooperation, and community building that sits at the heart of this organization.

The camaraderie and care we have seen among all of our colleagues over email, calls, and chats is a remarkable validation of the incredible humans we are fortunate enough to work with. I couldn’t be more grateful and proud to count you all as colleagues. Thank you.

Last week, someone shared with me their appreciation for our work. They reminded me how meaningful it is for the world to be able to turn to Wikipedia right now, and what a powerful symbol it is for this critical resource to remain online and available to all. Your work makes this possible, whether you keep the sites stay up or our colleagues paid or our communities safe. The world needs the information that Wikipedia provides, now more than ever.

This is a moment in which not only what we do, but how we do it, will make a meaningful impact on the world. Because of the importance of this mission and your role in it, we will be making some significant adjustments to how we work together, starting this coming week.

Adjustments to our work and schedules
As Robyn mentioned previously, the c-team met last night to discuss our approach and schedule for the coming days and months. In that conversation, we considered what we thought would be an appropriate response to what we’re facing and the best way to keep the organization sustainable during this time. Overwhelmingly we wanted to remove stress and support our mission for the long term.


 * If you need to dial back, that’s okay. For all staff, contractors, and contract workers: our daily working expectations will be about 4 hours a day, or 20 hours a week until further notice. We’re not declaring a holiday - if you are able to work more normal hours, the mission can use you. However, the world is unpredictable right now, and whether you need to care for loved ones, get groceries, or go to the doctor, your well-being is our priority. We are not tracking your time. We trust you.
 * If you are sick, do not work. This should go without saying, but we’re saying it. No sick days or PTO required - just tell your manager and help your team revise