By Best Buy June 8, 2020
Feature-image-blog
The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically shifted workplace dynamics, prompting companies like Best Buy to implement new safety measures, including mandatory face coverings for employees. While Best Buy provided these essential items, a wave of employee ingenuity emerged, with many personalizing their protection and contributing to their colleagues’ well-being through homemade efforts. Early in the pandemic, when supplies were strained, this grassroots movement became crucial.
To date, nearly 6,000 homemade face coverings have been distributed across Best Buy locations nationwide, a testament to the dedication and creativity of the company’s workforce. Here are some inspiring stories showcasing this initiative.
A Family Sewing Project for Employee Safety
Best Buy face coverings
When schools closed due to the pandemic, Mary Crouch’s daughter, Layla, found herself with unexpected free time. Mary, a senior manager for market services in Jonesboro, Arkansas, learned about a Best Buy employee volunteer network making masks to address local shortages. This presented a perfect opportunity for Mary to teach 13-year-old Layla to sew while contributing to her Best Buy community, where she has worked for 15 years.
Mary’s motivation was also deeply personal. “My mom’s a cancer survivor, and I think about the compromised immunity,” Mary explained. “It’s about keeping your family safe.”
Together, the mother-daughter team has crafted over 300 face coverings, distributed through Best Buy’s network to employees, their families, and local communities. “You can’t always do something for everyone, but even a small contribution can make a major difference for someone,” Mary reflected.
3D Printing Straps: Tech Innovation Meets Employee Comfort
Griffin Jove, a Best Buy employee in Menifee, California, exemplifies using technology to solve everyday problems.
Inspired by articles highlighting the discomfort some experienced with face coverings irritating their ears, Griffin turned to his 3D printer to create pressure-relief straps. Recognizing the potential to improve the mask-wearing experience for his colleagues, Griffin initiated this innovative solution. This is a prime example of how Best Buy employees are leveraging accessible technology, like 3D printing, to enhance workplace conditions and demonstrate care for one another. For those interested in the intersection of personal tech and practical solutions, exploring “Best Buy 3d Printing” options can open doors to similar creative problem-solving.
“I just thought, ‘I would be happy to print out the straps for co-workers if it would help ease the irritations the mask can bring,’” he said.
His store leadership immediately supported Griffin’s initiative, allowing him to bring his 3D printer to the store to distribute straps fresh off the print bed.
“Best Buy has made my passion for technology and people blend in a way that I would have never imagined,” Griffin stated, highlighting how the company fosters an environment where technological skills and community care intersect.
Geek Squad City Unites for “Project Hope”
Agents at Geek Squad City in Brooks, Kentucky, demonstrated remarkable teamwork, sewing 600 face coverings – enough for every employee at the tech repair facility – in just ten days. They named their endeavor “Project Hope.”
Geek Squad City
“We are family,” said Abigail Graves, a human resources specialist. “In times like these where we are all trying to find our new normal, we should all try to remember that one thing will never be cancelled, and that’s hope.”
These dedicated agents cut, ironed, sewed, bagged, and sealed hundreds of face coverings, even incorporating the iconic Geek Squad logo. They willingly contributed their skills, personal sewing machines, and fabric scissors, repurposing outdated uniforms and Agent undershirts to create the masks.
“When Project Hope concluded, it was easy to see that Geek Squad City’s culture continues to be on fire,” Abigail remarked. “Our employees never hesitate to come together in time of need.”
A Mother’s Legacy of Care Extends to Best Buy
When Illinois mandated face coverings, Efrain Vazquez, a manager at Best Buy’s Chicago distribution center, knew exactly who to call: his mother.
Best Buy face coverings
“My mother has an amazing legacy of service to her family and others,” Efrain shared. “She often made prom dresses for young women who could not afford them, and as a former health care worker has made uniforms for those who could not afford them.”
Within three days of Efrain’s call, his mother had not only created a custom mask for him but had also sewn an incredible 100 face coverings for his distribution center colleagues.
“I cannot thank my mom enough for the amazing example she has set and lived for me,” he said.
These stories from Best Buy exemplify the power of community and innovation in challenging times. From leveraging accessible technology like 3D printers to traditional skills like sewing, Best Buy employees demonstrated remarkable resourcefulness and care for each other and their communities. This spirit of innovation and mutual support underscores the company’s commitment to its employees’ well-being and highlights the positive impact of technology and human ingenuity working together.
