Dansko FAQ 10/12/2020

 Dansko FAQ 10/12/2020

 Below is a summary of the most frequently asked questions from the Survey Monkey sent out prior to the small group meetings. Questions relating to the business update were addressed during the small group meetings and other questions of an individual or specific nature may not be addressed below. Thank you for providing the questions and feedback and please do not hesitate to reach out to your manager, HR, or Jim with additional questions.

Is Dansko anticipating additional layoffs?

·         There are no plans for an additional round of staff reductions based on the forecast for the rest of 2020 and anticipated growth for 2021. Of course, Dansko cannot guarantee anyone of continued employment.

 

When will everyone get back to a full-time work schedule?

·         While we are making progress toward having all full-time employees working a full-time schedule, as of October 5^th we still had approximately 10% of full-time employees on a three-day/week schedule and approximately 10% of full-time employees on a four-day/week schedule. This week, more employees have moved to a full-time schedule and our goal is to have 100% of full-time employees back to a regular schedule as soon as business conditions allow. However, as previously noted, these situations differ from department to department and position to position. This is unquestionably a hardship for the affected employees and we recognize that it is not sustainable indefinitely. We review every week and our goal is to continue the trend of increases in full-time schedules.

 

Why was hazard pay discontinued in the DC?

·         Dansko discontinued additional hazard pay when Governor Wolf moved Chester County into the Green phase on June 26^th. While the risk of infection continues in all aspects of our lives, based on the Governor’s assessment and the policies and procedures in place, we believe base pay is appropriate and consistent with the marketplace.

 

When will we receive raises?

·         Annual compensation reviews were placed on hold in March 2020. We anticipate compensation reviews to remain on hold until March 2021 at the earliest. We typically communicate guidance to managers in December regarding pay increases for the following year, and will provide an update then.

 

When will we receive performance reviews?

·         Given the changes to all aspects of the business as a result of the pandemic and the related demands on managers, we decided to suspend formal performance reviews when annual compensation reviews were placed on hold. Dansko encourages managers to provide ongoing informal feedback to direct reports and if you have a question about your performance, you should not hesitate to ask your manager.

 

Will year-end bonuses be restored?

·         As previously communicated, there will not be a year-end bonus for 2020. Bonuses are always contingent upon Dansko’s overall performance and business conditions and are not guaranteed for 2021 or any year until decisions are finalized toward the end of each year. Dansko has a long history of being able to provide consistent year-end bonuses and the goal is to meet or exceed our targets so that we are able to do so again in the future.

 

When will the 401(k) match be reinstated?

·         The 401(k) match remains suspended. We do not anticipate reinstating the match during 2021. We have prioritized full-time schedules, compensation reviews, bonuses, and health care benefits ahead of the 401(k) match.

 

Will our health care coverage or cost change for 2021?

·         There will be no change to employee rates for health and dental benefits for the benefit year starting December 1, 2020. There have been very few changes to our benefits for the benefit year beginning December 1^st. More information is coming from HR via small group meetings/zoom calls to review the Dansko benefit offerings and kick off open enrollment.

 

Will the education benefit be reinstated?

·         The education benefit remains suspended. We do not anticipate reinstating this during 2021.

 

Will there be any changes to the PTO policy?

·         There are no changes to the current PTO policy – this includes the policy on payment for unused PTO Days, additions to an employee’s bank of PTO days, and eligibility for PTO days in 2021. As previously communicated, there will be flexibility regarding anyone who may run out of PTO days and need unpaid time in 2020.

 

What is the status of 33 Federal?

·         Certain work can be completed from home and other work has to be done in person or can be completed more efficiently in the office. 33 Federal is generally open every weekday for work that is scheduled in advance (by appointment only.) Similar to Five Star, there are specific procedures in place to include wearing masks and practicing social distancing to provide a safe working environment. We generally have up to 10 people in the building on a daily basis. Until there is a more effective treatment, an available vaccine, or other change in recommendation from Pennsylvania or the CDC, those who can work from home will continue to do so through at least January 8, 2021. We do not intend to bring anyone back to the office without reasonable notice. The goal is to provide at least two weeks notice before a return to working from the office on a regular schedule.

 

Any consideration of making working from home permanent? Could we save money by moving people from 33 Federal? Will working from home be an option after restrictions are lifted?

·         We have exceeded expectations in terms of working productively from home. However, that does not mean that permanently working from home is best for Dansko or for employees. We continue to believe there is a significant benefit in terms of focus, collaboration, efficiency, culture, etc. from working together in the same place. Zoom, for example, is a wonderful technology, but it does not allow you to fit shoes, or feel leather and other materials, or read the body language of the person you are talking to, among many examples.

·         We regularly review what the appropriate office and space needs are for Dansko, as well as the associated costs of leasing and maintaining that space. We recently entered a new lease term for Five Star and 33 Federal, and it is more likely that we will renegotiate terms to reflect updated conditions than change the space that we occupy.

·         After we return to working regularly in the office, we will still consider providing flexibility to employees in terms of working from home when and where appropriate. There is no “one size fits all” answer given different job responsibilities and equipment requirements. We will certainly take into account what we have learned in adapting policies going forward.   

 

Are there any plans for any Dansko events?

·         Under the current circumstances, we are not planning any in person events. Until there is a more effective treatment, an available vaccine, or other change in recommendation from Pennsylvania or the CDC, we do not anticipate scheduling any.

 

Will there be a holiday gift this year?

·         There will not be a Dansko holiday gift for 2020.

 

When will we celebrate employee anniversaries?

·         We would prefer to celebrate employee anniversaries when we can have larger groups together in person rather than virtually. We anticipate celebrating many employee anniversaries, both retroactively and on schedule, at some point in 2021.