Goldman Sachs using virtual programs to support workers, kids during coronavirus

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. is supporting its U.S. staff during the coronavirus pandemic with a series of programs they can tune into remotely, from fitness classes to story time for kids.

The firm scheduled the programming over two weeks, with a plan to update it on a rolling basis. To help employees connect, Goldman is offering virtual fitness classes that workers can do together from their homes. As well, for employees concerned about prenatal and postnatal health during the pandemic, the bank is hosting a two-part program with speakers from the Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

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To address resilience, employees can participate in guided meditation sessions up to four times a week throughout April. As well, it also includes a special mindful breathing session to help employees relax during these uncertain times.

As for the additional family responsibilities, the investment bank hosted a special webinar to address how workers can best establish realistic and flexible expectations for both adults and children during the pandemic. It also held a special session to discuss how to help children cope with the crisis, the spectrum of reasonable reactions from children during difficult situations, how to help kids manage their emotions and how to identify when parents might need to seek outside help.

In addition, Goldman Sachs is offering virtual story time through childcare provider Bright Horizons twice a week.

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