Publications

C O V I D - 1 9 R E S P O N S E Through Connect, employees found content and virtual events that support mental health, working remotely, financial fitness, physical wellness, career development and inclusion. Weekly emails, Powerlines stories and a video series of company leaders providing business updates were among resources made available. "We recognize this is a challenging time for our employees. We wanted to provide ways to connect employees and support one another through this period of adjusted operations," said Ashley Robinett, vice president of Public Relations. VIRTUAL E VE NTS Throughout the year, many events traditionally held in person at company locations have shifted to virtual. In addition to connecting teleworking employees, virtual events have provided a way to reach teammates across our ser vice territor y, and recordings of the events have been made readily available for all. Virtual events have focused on career development, inclusion and health and wellness. For example, the May Virtual Lunch and Learn shared " The Art of the Get-to-Know" meeting, helping employees understand the various types, how to set them up and prepare, and tips and tricks for success. COVID Coping Webinars with Dr. Josh Klapow discussed topics such as " The Consequences of Longer- Term Exposure to Stress" and " Tips and Strategies for Managing Your Mental Health in a Pandemic." These webinars detailed the negative effects of stress, how to avoid burnout and manage multiple priorities at home and work. Klapow also presented "Change: Can You Thrive vs. Survive" to help employees learn healthy ways to adapt to changes in personal and professional life, especially during the intense period of societal change brought on by the pandemic. A webinar was also provided on "Financial Fitness: Tips and Strategies for Managing Your Finances During the Pandemic." Bob Beideman, Southern Company Services retirement director, and Matt Townsend, a financial adviser with Merrill Lynch, led employees through tactics to navigate market volatility, maintain financial strategy and provisions, and understand changes to the employee savings plan due to COVID-19. TOWN HALL In May, Alabama Power hosted its first virtual town hall where company leaders shared business updates and plans for responsible reentry. Jeff Peoples, executive vice president of Customer and Employee Services, described the playbook as "a living document." "We're going to go slow and steady and assess to make sure we're bringing people back in a safe manner," said Peoples. DE VE LOPE D FOR TH E S E RVICE OF AL ABAMA Less than a week after the national emergency declaration, the company's charitable giving efforts were underway, supporting nonprofit partners to reach Alabamians in need during this crisis. The Alabama Power Foundation and Alabama Business Charitable Trust Fund pledged $1 million to support communities statewide, and offered nonprofits, businesses and communities the tools and resources needed for sustainability by providing technical assistance and hosting a series of webinars. " The effects of COVID-19 have created unprecedented challenges for the nonprofit community," Myla Calhoun, then-president of the foundation, said in March. "At a time when their own needs are great, Alabama's nonprofits have displayed incredible resilience and courage, all while responding to relief efforts to ensure the needs of the most vulnerable are met." 2 0

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