TIP OF THE DAY “When crafting your brand messaging, be certain that you are addressing the behavioral changes that are expected to persist as long as the threat of the pandemic exists. … And remember, it is not all about what you are saying—just as important is what you are doing.” – How Brands Should Respond During the COVID-19 Crisis report. COVID-19 UPDATE At the time of reporting, The New York Times reported at least 607,000 cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. and at least 26,000 deaths. Bing’s COVID-19 Tracker reported 614,451 cases and 29,897 deaths. President Trump announced a halt to U.S. payments to the World Health Organization, a move that has been decried globally and opposed by some business leaders. Bill Gates said the action was “as dangerous as it sounds.” Some governors say they are ready to reopen their states for business by May 1. CDC Director Robert Redfield says the health agency is prepared to assist the states who lift restrictions, but leaders in states that have been harder hit are resisting the administration’s timeline. Markets were down Wednesday as some experts warned that the economic hit from the coronavirus was worse than originally predicted, with some saying it was “in ruins.”
Digital channels take priority in COVID-19 crisis. Franklin Mutual Insurance shares how it pivoted to engage audiences during the outbreak, focusing on online interactions and how American life has profoundly changed.
Best Buy CEO address furloughs in video message. The leader said the company had plans to reopen stores and bring back workers, even as the company furloughed 51k beginning April 19. Video has been a top channel for leaders to share tough news with stakeholders. HR should invest in more communication with interns and new hires. As these workers go remote, it’s crucial to continue to build these relationships. Here are some ways you can boost onboarding for these future team members. Your online reputation is vulnerable. Make sure that you continue to care for your carefully crafted online presence during this crisis. Here are some important considerations. Hope tempered with dire forecasts in messages to workers. Despite gains and positive projections for its digital business, WarnerMedia acknowledged heavy losses in a memo to employees. It’s important that you find ways to offer hope—but give a clear picture of the challenges, especially when looking at layoffs. Variety reported: “We have paused many productions for the health and safety of employees, cast, crew and community. We are stepping up with a commitment of more than $100 million to assist team members of those productions during this time,” [CEO John Stankey] wrote of the extraordinary impact of the coronavirus pandemic. How are communicators giving back during this crisis? Here are some of the ways our readers are being of service to their communities. Be reasonable with employees as they juggle remote work and family. You can’t expect 100% from your staff as they manage childcare and other responsibilities during this time. Here are some tips on setting expectations. Don’t go dark on your external channels. Content that offers relevant value to consumers still has a place in the conversation. Here are some ways to reevaluate your strategy. The Fresh Market announces mandatory masks for customers. The grocery chain announced on Instagram that the rule applies to employees as well.
(Image via) Comms should take the lead on the future work environment. Work from home is likely to be a reality for many after the COVID-19 crisis, which means communicators should be key managers of the new workplace. Here’s how many offices are likely to change. 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 HannahL@ragan.com 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 TedK@ragan.com. Sign Up Subscribe to Ragan’s Crisis Daily newsletter today! | 