The following memo was sent today to all U.S.-based American Express colleagues from Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Stephen J. Squeri to update the timing of Amex Flex, the company’s new ways-of-working model:
Happy New Year, everyone. I hope you have had an opportunity to rest, recharge, and enjoy time with your family and friends over the holidays. As promised, I wanted to get back to you early in the new year to provide an update on our plans for launching Amex Flex in the U.S.
Since I last wrote to you, we have seen an exponential increase in the spread of the Omicron variant across the world, with cases in the U.S. and elsewhere reaching record levels in recent weeks. As always, your health and wellbeing are our number one priority, so we have decided to delay the January 24 launch of Amex Flex in the U.S. until we feel comfortable bringing a large number of colleagues back together in the office.
The Executive Committee and I will continue to monitor the situation closely, in consultation with medical experts, and when we determine that the time is right, we will give you a two-week notice before the official start of Amex Flex in our U.S. offices. In the meantime, we encourage all those who can do their jobs effectively from home to continue doing so. While our U.S. offices will remain open for those who want to come in or who cannot do their jobs effectively from home, we encourage you to wear masks in common areas and continue to social distance if you are coming in. Remember, you must be fully vaccinated in order to enter our U.S. offices or participate in any company-sponsored event, either on or offsite, where local regulations allow.
Vaccinations
Once again, I want to reinforce the importance of being vaccinated to keep yourself and others healthy. Studies have consistently shown that your best line of defense against serious illness from COVID is to get vaccinated, and recent data about the Omicron variant shows higher levels of protection for those who have received both initial vaccines and booster shots. Therefore, if you have not already done so, we strongly encourage you to get your vaccines and booster shots as soon as possible.
Remember, we are allowing up to 12 hours of additional PTO for you to receive your COVID-19 shots - up to 8 hours for your initial vaccine series plus another 4 hours for your booster shot.
Looking Ahead
For me, a new year always brings the prospect of new opportunities and a feeling of excitement for what lies ahead. This year is no different. Despite the ongoing uncertainty of the current health situation and the new challenges we will undoubtedly encounter, I am incredibly optimistic that, by remaining focused on backing our customers, colleagues, and communities, 2022 will be a year of great progress and growth, not only for our company, but for us as individuals, as well. My optimism is grounded in the belief I have in all of you and your unshaken dedication over these past two years, as well as the resilience our customers and partners have demonstrated throughout the pandemic. I am proud to be your colleague, and I am looking forward to seeing you in person as soon as the time is right.