KKI's The Wrap was "short, at times irreverent" but "always finished with the truth"
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, 2021 Fast Firm awardee Kalus Kenny Intelex (KKI) ensured that the security and wellbeing of their employees was top of mind. In addition to assuring staff that it would be “business as usual,” the firm launched a company-wide email it called The Wrap to lighten the mood.
“It was short, at times irreverent, often not very politically correct and sometimes a little silly,” partner Henry Kalus told Australasian Lawyer. “It always finished with the truth – that we were doing fine for a very simple but important reason – our people.”
The emails were sent out every week from March 2020 to December 2020, and were described by Kalus as being “authentic and from the heart.” The Wrap represented a step in the firm’s drive to live out its values.
KKI also maximised Whatsapp to boost communications among employees at the height of isolation. Staff were able to joke around in group chats, discuss interests and experience, and bond over non-work activities like cooking.
“Our view was that the last thing people should worry about was their jobs. This allowed them to focus on their lives without stress and to focus on our clients without distraction,” Kalus said.
Through KKI’s employee assistance program, staff could also avail of professional counselling services. In addition, they were granted two days of paid “recharge” leave.
The firm also sent care packages to staff that included food, and gifted them $1,500 to use on “whatever made them happy.”
“We have always been confident that if we invest in and look after our staff and our clients, that growth and financial reward would come. And it has,” Kalus said.
Australasian Lawyer closed the nominations window for the 2022 Fast Firms list last week.
