After the Georgia governor lifted the COVID-19 shelter in place order in May, Jackson Healthcare President, Shane Jackson and his leadership team began putting in place protocols to get the company’s employees back in the office in a safe way. From changing cleaning procedures, cafeteria guidelines and elevator logistics, Jackson Healthcare had countless considerations to make before re-opening its doors. Jackson describes the importance of transparency, about motives and allowing people time to consume the decisions made has been crucial. With so much difficulty in getting people back in the office, Jackson says others told him not to bother. Jackson believes it is important as a leader to have in-person work available for the company because of the mental toll working alone can have on people. Jackson says, “I believe at a minimum one of the kindest things I can do for our associates right now is to provide a safe place for them to socialize and collaborate with their colleagues. Working from home alone made me realize how much I missed people; I didn’t realize what it was doing to me and I’ve had associates tell me the same thing. There is power in being together.” Jackson concludes the ultimate decision of whether a company should go back in person depends on “knowing your people and knowing what’s best for them and the business.” Jackson’s tip for building better conversations and better relationships? “I don’t think you can be present with someone with a phone in your hand.”