I Hope This Finds You Well

The next day, the first of May, Jolene arrives at the office to find Rhonda redecorating her desk and Caitlin taking selfies to post on social media. Exploring Rhonda’s inbox, Jolene discovers an email Rhonda sent to herself tracking Armin’s shortcomings as an employee, with entries such as the following: “Spent 17 mins staring at a screensaver. Also 14 mins staring at his own hands” (62). Armin soon arrives, looking tired.

Jolene also follows a series of instant messages between Jolene and Garret, as the two plan to optimize Caitlin’s chances of retaining her job in the event of layoffs. After that, Jolene reads an email from Gregory to Cliff, asking him to prepare “recommendations” within a month. The email contains an org chart detailing proposed changes, including collapsing roles by firing either Armin or Rhonda as well as Caitlin or Jolene. In his response, Cliff stresses the importance of getting to know the employees personally as he prepares his recommendations.

Reading Gregory’s emails, Jolene is disgusted to see another sexually suggestive email, signed only by “Cutie Bear.” Moments later, Gregory appears and wishes Jolene well as she begins the anti-harassment course; he also informs Rhonda that the company will be unable to replace her company credit card after she lost it for the third time in less than a year.