| Your free trial subscription expires TOMORROW, Friday, August 14, 2020.
Go here to extend your term, only $79/year. Editor’s Note: The Crisis Daily will be on hiatus from Aug. 17—Aug. 21. New issues will resume Monday, Aug. 24. STAT OF THE DAY According to research from Media Frenzy Global, 52% of Black communication professionals have felt pressure to perform “at a higher level” than white colleagues during the COVID-19 crisis; 72% said they felt stressors from the surrounding community that impacted job performance. COVID-19 UPDATE - At the time of reporting, The New York Times showed 5,217,094 cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. and 166,100 deaths. Bing’s COVID-19 Tracker reported 5,293,009 cases in the U.S. and 168,289 fatalities.
- The CDC warns that if safety measure aren’t followed, the U.S. could face its worst autumn ever in terms of public health, as the ongoing COVID-19 crisis meets the annual flu season.
- The White House has reached out to congressional democrats to try and revive a deal on stimulus, but a compromise still seems far away.
- New claims for unemployment for the week fell below 1 million for the first time since the pandemic began in a hopeful sign of economic recovery.
COVID-19 has increased online advocacy for Americans. For consumers who have endured months of a global health pandemic, it’s more important than ever for brands to take a stand on social issues.
Are your communications efforts sufficiently integrated to make an impact? Here’s how the various methods and channels should be used to have a cohesive brand strategy, which will result in better business performance. REI to sell newly completed HQ in favor of remote and satellite workspace. The outdoor gear retailer says that the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted how it sees its work culture—and is changing how it is investing in its future. KOMO News reported: “I am confident that the sale of the Spring District campus would have a positive impact on REI’s future—and yours,” REI President and CEO Eric Artz told employees in a video call Wednesday. “This year has shown us our home is not a building. Our home is wherever we find ourselves doing our best work, pursuing our outdoor passions, serving our communities.” How does Gen Z want brands to address hot topics and issues from the news? Younger consumers place a higher emphasis on stances on racial equality compared to the general population, which expects businesses to address domestic job growth and similar topics, according to research from Porter Novelli. 
(Image courtesy of Porter Novelli) Discount retailer Stein Mart files for bankruptcy and closes 300 stores. The chain blames its closing on the pandemic and changing consumer habits. CNN wrote: Stein Mart, a discount department-store chain, said it doesn't have "sufficient liquidity to continue operating in the ordinary course of business." As a result, it's permanently closing a "significant portion, if not all" of its brick-and-mortar stores with liquidation sales beginning immediately. How much should frontline employees get for their COVID-19 work? Temple Health is offering workers $1,500, adding up to $10 million total in bonuses for their sacrifice and service. Over half of employees dread the start of the workday. What do anxiety levels indicate for mental health at work and how can communicators help fight this crisis? Here are some tips. Are you advising employees to wash their masks every day? You should, according to health experts. Make sure your safety precautions take into account the latest science, and transparently explain any changes. Vox reported: “It’s definitely recommended to wash that mask every day,” said Dr. Ravina Kullar, an infectious disease specialist and epidemiologist. Take breaks and embrace rituals to reduce anxiety. Comms pros face a never-ending wave of tight deadlines and writing can contribute to anxiety and fatigue. Here are some ways to help overcome the mental and emotional strain of writing for the modern work environment. Top Zillow exec explains changing stance on remote work. The company says embracing remote employees is part of becoming an industry-leading “employer of the future.” CNN shared its conversation with Chief People Officer Dan Spaulding: For the vast majority of our employees, we are committing that we're going to be a flexible employer of the future. That means for some workers, they may never come back to an office. We are committed to keeping our offices and we are going to use our offices as a place where people will come and collaborate with their teams and other teams. We will also have an office available to work in when, say, they have small children at home or they have situations where they have a lot of roommates and they are going to want a place to go and work. Special Report Get a free copy of Ragan’s Crisis Leadership Board’s “Organizational Responses to Black Lives Matter,” a concise and meaningful review of how 10 brands responded to the Black Lives Matter movement—from best to worst—and the lessons taken from each response. Virtual Conference Alert Join us for Ragan’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Communicators Virtual Conference Sept. 17-18 to learn beast practices and tactics for improving diversity and inclusion in your workplace and making your comms programs reflective of your core values and beliefs. 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. Your free trial subscription expires TOMORROW, Friday, August 14, 2020.
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