Memphian adapts to working remotely in an international business
Teressa Wright- Photos courtesy of Teressa Wright.
Teressa Wright’s impact and experience in a global company during a pandemic
By Janay Jeans
Sept. 6, 2020
When the coronavirus pandemic struck in March, International Paper employee Teressa Wright had to transition from working at the Memphis headquarters to working remotely while remaining a vital employee of the Fortune 500 company.
Wright, 48, an account executive at the International Paper’s global headquarters in Memphis, is doing her job and helping others remotely. Rather than working in a large office tower at 6400 Poplar Ave, she practices social distancing and discusses the impact of remote work in a global business.
“Before the pandemic we were sent home periodically to test servers and other tests,” Wright said. “So, the transition was easy because our team was already prepared for faster recovery in case of emergencies or similar conflicts.”
The coronavirus, which has caused the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the world and the economy.
With the largest number of coronavirus cases being in the United States, its economy has taken a hit as businesses follow stay-at-home orders.
“Remote work started near the end of March,” Wright said. “Now, no one in my department goes into the office, and IP doesn’t want to risk putting their employees in danger.”
International Paper is a fortune 500 company and is one of the world’s leading producers of fiber-based packaging, pulp and paper. International Paper focuses on sustainability and turns renewable resources into dependable products.
At International Paper’s Memphis location, there are 2,430 employees.
“About 25 percent of employees still work in the office. We cannot use cubicles, and only around six people work in one section of a tower floor,” Wright said. “This amount mostly consists of top executives who have their own independent offices.”
Working remotely at her home in Cordova has mostly been convenient and beneficial in Wright’s experience. Connectivity to other employees has been going well and she has not encountered many issues.
The only challenge in her experience with working from home is the smaller workspace and not having a printer as well as other tools and notes that remain in the office.
Wright said there were positive impacts of working remotely.
“According to IP we are more productive at home than at the office,” Wright said. “We want to make sure our customers are serviced.”
International Paper’s production orders and revenue has increased since June, compensating for the loss they experienced before the pandemic.
Wright has worked at International Paper since 2009 and works from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day. She performs many tasks including communicating with supply managers, accommodating customer orders via email or phone calls, manages programs and troubleshooting.
She also helps team members and ensures to resolve any issues customers and employees may encounter.
Alice Bradley, friend and former coworker, says Wright is very driven. Bradley said that focus and commitment is important when working remotely, and that Wright has exemplified that focus.
“She has a good business sense and good character,” Bradley said. “She took initiative with working at International Paper and went back to get her bachelor’s and master’s degree.”
While working at International Paper, Wright obtained a bachelor’s degree in finance in 2014 at the University of Phoenix, and a master of business degree in operations and supply chain management in 2016 at Colorado Technical University.
Bradley also said that Wright does amazing working for internal and external customers and that she strives to do an excellent job in everything she does.
“She got what she learned and what is instilled in her from her own motivation,” Bradley said. “You control your own destiny. That is what Teressa strives for in and outside of IP.”