QUOTE OF THE DAY “I try to do the right thing at the right time. They may just be little things, but usually they make the difference between winning and losing.” –Kareem Abdul-Jabbar COVID-19 UPDATE At the time of reporting, The New York Times showed 1,235,210 cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. and 73,549 fatalities. Bing’s COVID-19 Tracker reported 1,260,166 cases in the U.S. and 74,595 deaths. The Trump Administration has shelved the reopening plan authored by the CDC, officials confirmed Thursday. Insiders say Trump balked at recommendations for permanent changes to how Americans lead their lives, saying "I want to go back to where it was, that's where we're going to be." Unemployment over the last seven weeks has topped 33.5 million. However, the figures are within expectations and markets responded with a small gain early Thursday.
Employee culture essential for navigating COVID-19. Here’s how Astellas Pharma is managing to keep workers engaged and share stories about the important work it is doing during this health crisis.
Is your crisis response being measured? Here are some ways to determine if your messages are having the desired effect. More than half of employees say they are worried about coronavirus exposure. The survey from Ipsos reveals how important it is to share safety measures with your workforce and stakeholders, even if you don’t have an open storefront or interact with the public as part of your daily business. Microsoft tools like Teams help connect remote workers. Here’s how one global IT firm adapted to remote work and some of the solutions it has relied upon to keep workers engaged and projects on track. Your leaders can be optimists without being Pollyannaish. Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly has pushed back on negative predictions about the future of the airline industry without overstating the facts or touting otherworldly foresight. In response to Warren Buffet’s grim outlook on the future for airlines, Kelly offered some hope. CNN reported: "I don't think anybody knows, and certainly that's not an unreasonable view to take," Kelly told CNN in an interview Wednesday with Poppy Harlow. "It's a pessimistic one. I am far more optimistic." As tensions mount over reopening, reevaluate how you will protect employees. There have been reports of violence against employees who try to enforce rules around social distancing, such as a McDonald’s in Oklahoma City where three employees were injured by a firearm. Make sure your safety procedures address this tense environment as you plan to welcome back consumers. Transparency and empathy are crucial in layoff announcements. With internal statements always finding a way to news outlets, make sure your messages put employee hardships first and explain in an open way your decision process. Uber’s announcement offers an example of empathy for workers: CNBC reported: Days like this are brutal. I am truly sorry that we are doing this, just as I know that we have to do this. And while it’s easier said than done, we have to keep our heads down and keep executing, because that—and nothing less—is what will keep Uber going and get us to the other side. Social purpose is the foundation of an effective crisis response. Your organization should build its message on established principles—and eschew a profit above all else mentality. Here’s how purpose should guide your COVID-19 messages. Wynn Resorts extends full-time pay for workers through May 31. As many other industries are starting the scale back relief programs and ask workers to return to their jobs, the Las Vegas resort group is investing more in its workers, to the tune of $250 million. If you have the resources, consider stepping up to care for your workers in a meaningful way. Department of Energy recalls “mission critical” employees for Phase 1 of return to work. Other employees will remain working from home as the department tries to navigate its way back from lockdown. Make sure you identify clear stages and protocols for your return-to-work plan. High-rise office building weigh big changes in return to work. In Chicago, changes are going to include new protocols around the elevator, food and beverage service, and other parts of office life. Make sure to connect with your local officials, landlords and other parties to establish clear guidelines for your return to the office in the months to come. Virtual Conference Alert Join us for PR Daily’s Media Relations and Measurement Virtual Conference May 14–15. Learn from experts who are transforming their pitches and media relations efforts, as well as their measurement strategies, to meet the challenges presented by the health crisis. 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—as 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. | 