Good morning, everyone –
Last Friday got away from me, so I decided it would be better to wait and say “hello” on Monday morning, in hopes that it can help us all ease (or be thrown) back into what will likely be another busy work week. 😊
First things first. I know that you received the general email from Andy Cecere last week stating that organizational changes are upon us, and while you may have since heard a bit more about some specific changes, most details are largely unknown. There will be a lengthy email coming from Tim Welsh in the near term that will lay out a lot of the changes and provide greater clarity, as well as the reason(s) for them, so instead of sharing information out of turn I’d like to offer my broader thoughts on the changes. Importantly, our group is not being specifically impacted by any layoff activity. As most of you recall, we did some significant work a year ago to “right size” our group, and we went through a very difficult and painful time saying goodbye to colleagues and friends.
While this news is positive for us, your thoughts may be quickly drifting to our colleagues across CBB and the broader Bank who are impacted. For me, it’s hard enough to handle the ongoing challenges of the pandemic (and wild fires and hurricanes and politics and ongoing equity/equality struggles for our friends of color, and everything else 2020 has thrown at us), but now we’re adding to it the recognition that some people will be losing their jobs. I don’t have the perfect answer to make it ok, because even though I understand the “why” behind the changes, it still hurts. And I think it’s ok to feel that sense of disconnect – where your mind and your heart see things very differently. Going forward, I am hopeful that many of the displaced employees (overwhelmingly from the branches as a result of planned branch closures) will find new opportunities within the organization; specifically, we plan to add a large number of roles in other areas of the Company such as in the customer call centers, and any displaced employees will have first access to those opportunities. As I said, more to come in the near term, and I am happy to answer any questions you might have.
While I have your attention…I thought I’d throw in a few other reminders:
• Make sure to schedule and use your vacation time! You deserve it, and you need it!
• Remember to finish your required compliance training at least 30 days in advance of the due date. You likely have a lot of training due 11/30, so please complete it in the next few weeks. Thanks in advance!
• Legends of Possible nomination time is nearly upon us! More details to come, but start thinking about those for whom you’d like to submit a nomination. I honestly feel like everyone deserves to be a “Legend” this year!
Above all, I want to again express my thanks to each of you for all you continue to do to help manage risk… and in how you take care of each other. We have had so many obstacles thrown at us, and each time you step up and do an amazing job. Please don’t hesitate to let me know how I can better support you during this time, and know I continue to wish you and your loved ones good health and happiness (yes – don’t forget to find happiness, as there are still a lot of great things out there that bring joy!)
Take care,
Justin
Justin M Windschitl
Senior Vice President | Chief Risk Officer – Consumer and Business Banking
- 612.313.6444 | justin.windschitl@usbank.com
- S. Bank
US Bank Plaza, Minneapolis
200 South 6th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402 | EP-MN-L22S | usbank.com
Executive Assistant: Amanda West - 612.313.6443 - amanda.west@usbank.com