QUOTE OF THE DAY “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” - Jane Goodall COVID-19 UPDATE - As of Thursday morning, there were more than 200,000 cases reported in the U.S. The New York Times reported at least 214,000 cases in its latest update and at least 4,800 deaths. At the time of reporting, Bing’s COVID-19 tracker reported 216,952 cases and 5,147 deaths. Global cases are higher than 900,000.
- Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has finally issued a shelter-in-place order after he says he learned that asymptomatic carriers could spread the infection. Anthony Fauci, who has been front and center as the nation’s leading expert in infectious disease, has received death threats and will be getting an enhanced security detail.
- Jobless claims in the U.S. spiked over the last three weeks as claims for benefits rose 3,000%. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the 6.6 million Americans who have filed for unemployment is a historic high.
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HR must take a leadership role during this crisis. Here are some of the important messages employees want to hear from their HR leaders, and ways for HR to drive the agenda during this difficult time.
Photos are your secret weapon during ‘social distancing.’ Here’s why you should lean on photography to tell important stories and engage your various audiences during the COVID-19 outbreak. Put your employees first—and make sure you communicate their importance. Many organizations are offering bonuses, perks, flexible schedules and more during this crisis. Make sure you are talking about these efforts in a way that shows caring and empathy. It’s crucial to continue to engage your audience, even if they can’t visit your place of business. Here’s how the YMCA is trying to stay connected to its communities and offer help to those in need during the current crisis. Agencies launch hubs to offer resources for their communities. Here is an example of one hub from KQ communications in Memphis, Tennessee. How are you trying to be a resource for your community? It’s not too early to start thinking about your strategy for a recovery. Guiding your organization once the current crisis has abated will take as much deft maneuvering as your current responsibilities. Here are some important things to start considering. You can help colleagues find work with resources like a jobs board. Global Results Communications, for example, created this resource for businesses looking to hire during the current financial crisis that is accompanying COVID-19. Boeing offers "voluntary" layoffs. Crafting memos to employees about layoffs and furloughs has unfortunately become commonplace. In a memo to employees, the beleaguered airplane maker said it foresees a long road to recovery. Volunteers will receive some pay and a benefits package. CNBC reported: “It’s important we start adjusting to our new reality now,” Calhoun told employees in a memo. “We want to address it through natural turnover and voluntary employment actions to the extent we responsibly can. To that end, we are initiating a voluntary layoff (VLO) plan that allows eligible employees who want to exit the company to do so with a pay and benefits package. This move aims to reduce the need for other workforce actions.” Don’t let trolls and hackers ruin your videoconference meeting. After reports of hackers breaking into Zoom calls, using racial slurs and other disruptions, many are looking for ways to secure their calls. SpaceX banned Zoom over security concerns. Here are some tips on how to keep your meeting secure. Kroger announced “hero bonus” for frontline employees. The grocery chain is stressing investment in its employees and team members as it reports growing sales. It wrote in a press release: "We are seeing strong sales and are at the same time investing in our business to support our customers and associates through the current uncertainty," said Gary Millerchip, Kroger's chief financial officer. Virtual Conference Alert Join us for Ragan’s Internal Communications and Culture Virtual Conference April 21-22 to learn how you can connect dispersed workers and unite your organization in the face of unprecedented disruption. Join our Crisis Leadership Board Ragan’s Crisis Leadership Board is the resource you need before, during and post-crisis. As a Board member, you have access to all back issues of this newsletter, we well as research, data, case studies, checklists, tip sheets, articles and other resources, plus a peer to peer discussion board and an all-access pass to the annual Crisis Management Conference. Sponsorship/Advertising Opportunities Contact Hannah Lavelle at [email protected] with sponsorship and advertising inquiries. Pitch Us Have a great story to share about crisis communication or your own take on current best practices? Contact Editor Ted Kitterman at [email protected]. Sign Up Subscribe to Ragan’s Crisis Daily newsletter today! | 
