Break Down Silos, Build Up Safety
When Vermont Gas employees gather for Fusion Day, it’s more than just a quarterly meeting—it’s a deliberate investment in safety, teamwork and continuous improvement.
Held four times a year, Fusion Day brings together teams from across the company to share updates, exchange expertise and deepen their understanding of each other’s work. The program also strengthens relationships across departments, which can prove invaluable during emergencies when cross-functional coordination is key.
The July Fusion Day highlighted topics as varied as pipeline safety, innovative new tools, pipe fusing techniques, underground locating and expanded customer service offerings. This mix of technical training and operational updates ensures employees—whether in the field or in the office—gain a broader perspective on how their role connects to the bigger picture.
“Fusion Days bring us together in a way that builds connection—not just to the work we do, but to each other,” said Amanda Zay, Vermont Gas’s senior director of people and safety. “We come together to share, celebrate and learn from each other. It strengthens our culture and employees’ sense of belonging. The collaboration supports a safer and more engaged workplace.”
How does Fusion Day work?The event typically starts with an all-hands meeting where leaders within the company share updates, including goals and strategic direction. They also dedicate time to recognizing and celebrating employee achievements and milestones. Then, the meeting transitions to a rotational format, with employees moving between stations or sessions led by subject-matter experts. Sessions could include field employees showcasing equipment and techniques, or giving the latest updates with decarbonization technologies. Vermont Gas leaders say this open forum helps employees feel empowered to share their expertise, which can include safety innovations from the field.
“Sometimes the best ideas for improving safety come from the people doing the work every day,” said Zay. “Fusion Day gives them a platform.”
Utilities looking to adopt a similar program can draw several insights from Vermont Gas’s approach:
- Make it routine – Holding the event quarterly ensures safety and operational updates are timely and relevant.
- Keep it interactive – Hands-on demos and direct conversations create more engagement than lecture-style presentations.
- Mix the teams – Pairing employees from different departments fosters understanding and trust.
- Highlight successes and challenges – Sharing both wins and lessons learned creates a culture of transparency.
Since launching Fusion Day, Vermont Gas has seen improved communication between teams, faster problem-solving and a noticeable boost in safety awareness. The program also helps newer employees get up to speed quickly by exposing them to the full range of company operations.
In an industry where safety and service go hand in hand, Vermont Gas’s Fusion Day offers a model for how intentional, company-wide collaboration can keep customers safe and satisfied—while keeping teams informed, connected and inspired.