Counter Threat Solutions' COVID-19 Response Keeps Employees Engaged, Paid

RESTON, Va., April 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Reston-based Counter Threat Solutions LLC (CTS) is one of the Capital region's numerous federal government consulting firms affected by the coronavirus. Its employees typically spend their days at secure client facilities, with company income derived from achieving full, 40-hour per week billability.

Since 16 March, the ability to perform client work, bill for time, and collect payment for services ceased. That same week, CTS enacted unprecedented measures in order to keep its employees paid ? at full salary, with full benefits ? while also keeping them engaged in meaningful work.

Layoffs Averted

To avoid depleting its cash reserves while awaiting economic relief, the company's CEO and CIO immediately stopped taking pay, and all senior executives agreed to a temporary salary reduction. While other companies resorted to layoffs, these efforts, along with curtailed discretionary spending, allowed CTS to provide peace of mind to employees that they would continue to be paid for at least six weeks.

"Recruiting cleared professionals to serve within the unique constraints of our client space is challenging enough," says CEO Theresa Keith. "I want to do everything in my power to keep CTS employees fully covered with pay and benefits during the pandemic. They are the backbone of our business, and the expertise they offer is not easily replaced."

Purposeful Engagement

To keep employees mentally engaged in the weeks ahead, CTS leadership implemented a plan to mobilize teams of similar talents to work virtually on projects to strengthen the company's operations. Employees were matched to lines of business, equipped with the tools needed to work from home, and provided assignments to best utilize the same skillsets sought after by the firm's clients.

"We've assembled a cadre of highly-skilled experts to serve the mission needs of our clients," says CEO Theresa Keith. "It made perfect sense to put these same skills to use within our company, giving our teammates purposeful work to help keep their mind off of the crisis while they self-isolate, while strengthening our business operations at the same time."

Silver Lining

Teams meet virtually to work a variety of business objectives with laser focus. From skills-based training in finance and data analytics to building technical acumen in ServiceNow and Salesforce to marketing and business development, CTS is employing its in-house talent to assist in the company's needs.

"Not only are we executing our own continuity of operations plan, we are using this 'down time' to ramp up our teammates' skills," adds Luca Ducceschi, the firm's CIO. "When we are able to return to client site, we will do so with a tremendous amount of job-related added value."

Ducceschi adds: "Our virtual teams are growing future leaders within our company as well. We are experiencing high levels of engagement across our organization, with many of our teammates stepping up and asking for more responsibility."

"Keeping everyone occupied, engaged, and connected is important to our mental and emotional well-being," says Keith. "And our approach is a win-win and a productive way to ride out the pandemic."

About Counter Threat Solutions

Counter Threat Solutions LLC (CTS) is a Woman-Owned Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) consulting company named a 2020 Best Place to Work by the Washington Business Journal. CTS provides mission-savvy subject matter experts to the U.S. Government's Intelligence and Defense communities, as well as innovative financial and IT solutions to Civilian clientele. Learn more at ctstruenorth.com or LinkedIn.

CONTACT:
Valerie Passwaiter
(703) 987-1584
[email protected]

SOURCE Counter Threat Solutions LLC