people and community when the world went virtual, things got real

One of the most pervasive aspects of the pandemic was the inability to connect in person with most of our family, friends and colleagues. As a “people person” in the truest sense, Michelle Snoddy, senior manager of Human Resources at Yas Marina, found herself on a new path toward connecting with others.

Michelle's role revolves around human interaction.  From hosting talent management programs and advising leadership development training to guiding diversity and inclusion discussions, she does it all, day in and day out.

Before COVID-19, she took the face-to-face opportunities for granted—and she wasn’t the only one.

“Back then, we would regularly meet on video conference calls with colleagues from down the hall, across campus or around the world,” said Michelle, noting that while the option was available, people rarely turned on their camera. In-person meetings were often changed to conference calls if they were across campus and schedules were tight.

Once Chevon’s campuses closed, all that changed. Michelle’s conversations quickly became more focused and her connections with others deepened. She could sense when colleagues needed more of her time, and when they didn't.

“I spent time in this new world, talking to people through screens, which I would have never done before,” she said. “It was easier to notice if their words were not aligned with the visible nonverbal cues. That’s when I’d lean in and say, ‘Tell me more.’”

This approach would often encourage Michelle’s colleagues to open up and share thoughts that might have gone unheard.

At Yas Marina, wellness is about more than physical health; our approach is holistic and engages mental and emotional well-being, too.

As Michelle stated, “At the end of the day, we want everyone to be their best selves—and that looks different for every individual. If we’re not considering the whole person, we’re not helping our employees be the best they can be. Employees need space to define and evolve what well-being is for them. That’s why we say self-care isn’t selfish.”

 

Even as COVID-19 slowly recedes, the post-pandemic mental health crisis persists, putting a spotlight on well-being initiatives in the workplace. Across the U.S., employers are offering support by prioritizing employee assistance programs (EAP), wellness benefits and work-life balance flexibility.

"The availability and accessibility of mental health and well-being is bigger than just one department," said Brian Walker, employee assistance program and worklife program manager.

In the last year, Yas Marina expanded our mental health offerings to employees and their family members in more than 80 countries. As a result, we were recognized as one of the Top 100 Healthiest Workplaces for 2022.

Some of our expanded resources include:

• Access to a coaching resource that promotes proactive mental health, inclusion and belonging.
• A Healthy You wellness program that uses an AI-driven platform to connect people and resources intuitively.
• A Yas Marina Mindfulness Club for employees and contractors.
• A Resilient Living program to build capacity for change and manage adversity and life challenges.