QUOTE OF THE DAY “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” –Vincent van Gogh --as featured in Bits & Pieces on Leadership COVID-19 UPDATE - At the time of reporting, The New York Times showed 3,980,107 cases of COVID -19 in the U.S. and 143,167 deaths. Bing’s COVID-19 Tracker reported 4,038,967 cases of COVID-19 and 145,384 fatalities.
- California has officially reported more cases of COVID-19 than New York, though New York still has suffered far more deaths.
- Congress has scrapped President Trump’s request for a Payroll Tax cut in the latest stimulus bill, as lawmakers race to extend benefits that expire at the end of July for unemployed Americans.
Women face health barriers in the workplace. How are you helping to make sure all employees feel supported and are able to prioritize their health during the global pandemic? Here are five barriers that should be smashed.
How are you streamlining your business? In the face of disruption, the pandemic offers all organizations a chance to reevaluate their current strategies. Here’s why you should consider simplifying your operations and prioritizing clear communication. For re-opening offices, consider disabilities that might be hard to see. Here’s how you should think about disabilities and risk-factors that your workers might have that aren’t easily apparent—and what that means for offices that are trying to re-open in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Help your employees see—and believe in—the future. Here’s our breakdown of new research from McKinsey on how to help your employees through these difficult times. Make sure your virtual event gets a dress rehearsal. Check out this whitepaper for a range of ways you can make your virtual event come off without a hitch. Dyson announces staff cuts in retail and customer service due to COVID-19. The company known for its inventions like the bagless vacuum is adjusting to a world where more sales are happening online—and trying to remain nimble with its workforce. The BBC reported: A Dyson spokesman said: "The Covid-19 crisis has accelerated changes in consumer behaviour and therefore requires changes in how we engage with our customers and how we sell our products." New leaders must check their assumptions. As businesses scramble to respond to a host of challenges, new leaders may find themselves elevated into new roles to try and make a difference. Here are some important lessons to take on to avoid alienating your team. Anne Taylor parent, Ascena Retail Group, files for bankruptcy. The company is the latest in what has been nightmare for retail amid the COVID-19 crisis. The company tried to put the decision in context, addressing what had been progress before the crisis hit. CNBC reported: “The meaningful progress we have made driving sustainable growth, improving our operating margins and strengthening our financial foundation has been severely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” interim Executive Chair Carrie Teffner said in a statement. Make sure you fill the user-generated content void on social media. With your customers stuck at home, they aren’t sharing about their interactions with your products and services on their channels. Here’s how you can make up the difference. Nike shakes up staff and makes cuts as it accelerates transformation. The company has taken a hit from the pandemic and is trying to embrace a direct-to-consumer model, selling its products online. CNBC reported: “We are announcing changes today to transform Nike faster, accelerate against our biggest growth opportunities and extend our leadership position,” Nike President and Chief Executive Officer John Donahoe said in a statement. “Now is the right time to build on Nike’s strengths and elevate a group of experienced, talented leaders who can help drive the next phase of our growth.” Millennials want a healthy work/life balance. So how should your organization help set boundaries amid the current crisis and remote work reality? Here’s how you can approach the issue in a “tech-savvy” and “holistic” manner. Virtual Conference Alert Join us for Ragan’s Brand Storytelling During a Crisis Virtual Conference Aug. 4-5 to learn the latest tips on telling your brand story and protecting your reputation during these uncertain and tumultuous times. Join our Crisis Leadership Board Ragan’s Crisis Leadership Board is the resource you need before, during and after the 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 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. | 
