Humana employees returned to downtown Louisville for the first time in two years on Wednesday. Thousands of Humana’s about 10,000 employees worked remotely during the pandemic, despite the fact that the company’s offices never entirely closed.
Humana’s return to the area’s coffee shops and eateries was pleasant news on Wednesday for those who had missed out on that business.
Humana sent their staff home in the spring of 2020, according to Addison Durham, bar manager at Troll Pub downtown.
“It’s been tough, but we’ve been able to get through. We’ve missed them.”Addison Durham, Bar Manager, Troll Pub
Due of the pandemic and a dearth of clients wandering around downtown, Blackbeard Espresso owner Stephen Young said he had to close his shop for almost a year.
“It’s been a heck of an experience seeing a pandemic through the eyes of a coffee shop. Business actually increased for us, oddly enough, because the competition completely left.”Stephen Young, Owner, Blackbeard Espresso
During the coronavirus pandemic, an average of 2,000 to 3,000 Humana employees worked on-site, according to Mark Taylor, director of corporate and financial relations.
Humana is conducting a slow re-opening for the first two weeks, Taylor said, encouraging staff back but not requiring everyone to return at the same time. Some employees will be able to work from home full-time, while others will have a hybrid schedule, according to him.
According to Taylor, the firm has been improving workspaces, amenities, and technology in both its Humana Tower and Waterside locations to create a more pleasant and “inspiring” work environment.
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