Walmart responds to Litecoin hoax; Tips when addressing union drives; Flexible scheduling tips; Smithsonian's winning website campaign; and more

DAILY SCOOP

Walmart reacts to fake Litecoin press release, Nicki Minaj shares vaccine misinformation, and workers take a pay cut to be remote

Also: Workers slam the honor system in enforcing vaccine mandates, a report says Instagram is toxic for teens, Kentucky distiller Heaven Hill faces strike over work conditions, and more.

RESEARCH SNAPSHOT

Report: The majority of Americans say declining union membership is bad

The data highlights the potential danger an anti-union message could have for companies looking to solidify their reputation as an employer of choice.

THE WORKPLACE

How companies can use flexible scheduling to recruit, retain essential talent

A Paychex study sheds light on the future of hybrid work and offers guidance on how employers can help staffers strike a healthier work/life balance.

WINNING CAMPAIGNS

Website offers a variety of educational resources for continuing education around racism

Talking About Race, a website from the National Museum of African American History and Culture, promotes change and has won first prize in the Website category of Ragan’s PR Daily Awards.

DAILY SCOOP

Business groups respond to Biden’s vaccine rules, majority of employees OK returning to office with unvaccinated coworkers, and Salesforce offers to relocate Texas workers

Also: Schools plan ahead as Pfizer prepares vaccine for ages 5-11, delivery app riders speak out about working conditions, how to counteract interrupters and poor office behavior, and more.

CONTENT MARKETING

4 ways to integrate local SEO into your PR strategy

Make sure local consumers can find your business when searching for products and services with these tips.

RESEARCH

Research: Key factors fueling ‘The Great Resignation’

New data from The Conference Board sheds light on return-to-work anxiety, remote work frustrations, and why employees are seeking greener pastures.

COVID-19

What communicators should do following Biden’s new vaccination mandate

Some organizations are already in sync, but either way, expect tensions and frustration to escalate.

COUNTDOWN

5 tips for identifying—and avoiding—cognitive bias during a crisis

When facing the unknown, you might not even know everything you think you know.

THE FRIDAY REPORTER

The Washington Post’s Seung Min Kim shares about her work on Capitol Hill

Check out the latest episode of the podcast that takes you behind the scenes with reporters covering important stories.

DAILY SCOOP

Biden’s new vaccine rules, Harvard announces divestment from fossil fuels, and Amazon takes heat over promoting debunked COVID-19 cures

Also: How companies have mandated vaccines so far, agencies offer to cover relocation for Texas-based employees after anti-abortion law, and Twitter tries to label ‘good bots.’

PR INDUSTRY

With remote work on the rise, does it really matter where your employees are?

Walker Sands still sees value in having employees embedded in specific media markets, which led it to pursue its recent acquisition of March Communications.

THE CONSULTANT IS IN

5 tips for being a brilliant brand journalist

Read voraciously, be persistent in your pursuit of truth, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP

Leading a strategic plan for an uncertain future during a time of disruption and upheaval

The dean of the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication makes the case for the lessons leaders should take from a changing sector that is rethinking its future.