2021 PERSPECTIVE: PANDEMIC RESPONSE

COVID-19 has continued to create uncertainty and hardships for our company and the global community. Throughout 2021 and into 2022, we were able to provide more security and peace of mind to our employees, our customers, and the communities we serve.

In 2021, we continued many of the expanded benefits we launched in 2020 to provide ongoing relief and support to our employees. Our expanded benefits focus on our employees’ physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Some of the programs we have retained include:

PHYSICAL

Working from home whenever possible (including technological resource support)

Providing personal protective equipment (PPE) and elevated sanitation and safety measures

Telemedicine co-pay fee waived

COVID-19 vaccine incentives

EMOTIONAL

Additional paid time off, including rollover into 2022

Extension of vacation time carry over into 2022 to support distribution center/warehouse workers

Access to free sessions with mental health professionals

Frequent CEO and management communications

FINANCIAL

Bonuses for hourly workers and temporary wage increases for distribution center/warehouse workers

Company subsidized disability coverage

490

Employees rewarded for proof of COVID-19 vaccination

$33,900

In gift cards distributed to employees as COVID-19 vaccination wellness incentive rewards

1,000+

COVID-19 test kits provided to employees

SUPPORT FOR VACCINATION AND TESTING

As COVID-19 vaccines became more widely available in 2021, our company actively encouraged employees and their dependents to get vaccinated, reinforcing this message with direct communications from top company leaders.

We backed up our words with actions, covering the cost of the vaccine for all our employees and their dependents, as well as offering a wellness incentive of cash gift cards with proof of vaccination - a program we extended through March 2022. As of December 2021, more than $33,900 in gift cards were distributed to 490 employees in appreciation for their efforts to protect themselves from the virus, boost vaccination rates in our communities, and invest in the overall health and safety of our workforce.

As an additional measure, we provided more than 1,000 COVID-19 test kits to our employees and their dependents at no charge to assist them with managing their health and preventing the spread of the virus.