Google extends WFH to July 2021; Crisis tips from Home Depot's Yanique Woodall; Jack Daniel's COVID-19 video success; and more

RESEARCH SNAPSHOT

Employee engagement takes a hit after months of crisis

The metric, seen as a good indicator of morale, productivity and whether your workers are looking for new jobs, had taken a historic rise. What’s behind the drop?

DAILY SCOOP

Google employees to WFH until July 2021, Target to close for Thanksgiving, and social media channels remove viral video for misinformation

Also: Many consumers won’t feel comfortable traveling for nearly another year, Instagram attempts to lure TikTok creators to its new service, a social media pun, and more.

LEADING NOW

How Home Depot’s comms director is building for the unknown

To manage her team through disruption from COVID-19 and important conversations around structural inequality in the workplace, Yanique Woodall is discarding the rulebook.

WRITING & EDITING

Writing for a weary, worn-down workforce

COVID-19 continues to put communicators in a tough spot. Here’s how to maximize your output and creative energy during this anxious, stressful time of life.

VISUAL & VIDEO COMMUNICATIONS

How Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire embraced the ‘mukbang’

To celebrate Pride during the COVID-19 crisis, the whiskey maker turned to internet personalities to help create online community.

HOW WE DID IT

How to move from communications firefighting to futuring

Stagwell’s Ray Day reflects on his time in the auto industry during the Great Recession of 2008 and how that experience taught him to make bold moves in the face of adversity.

DAILY SCOOP

McDonald’s to require masks, Everlane addresses claims of racism and toxic culture, and Microsoft teams up with NBA on virtual fan experience

Also: Red Robin maps out consumer decisions, Frito-Lay highlights its offerings in its 2020 Snack Index, O: The Oprah Magazine to stop printing, and more.

COVID-19

The importance of digital media during Congress’ summer recess

With the COVID-19 crisis changing so much for lawmakers, PR pros and lobbyists who want to have an impact must embrace digital channels.

PR INDUSTRY

11 benefits of mixternal collaboration

E.W. Scripps’ Kari Wethington and Beth Welter share why—and how—internal and external communications teams can collaborate better.

WRITING & EDITING

3 keys to simple, succinct and clear communication

As word counts grow, your readers’ concentration and comprehension will slow. Try these tips to keep content nice and tidy.

DAILY SCOOP

Hearst president resigns after sexual harassment claims, Twitter to test subscriptions as revenues fall, and Seattle’s NHL team releases the ‘Kraken’

Also: The future of the workplace relies on a culture of meaning, Hotels.com’s robe brings roadtrips to the consumer, Waffle House celebrates National Tequila Day, and more.

VISUAL & VIDEO COMMUNICATIONS

How Mars Petcare used Facebook tools to create a hotline during COVID-19

The pet brand wanted to provide pet owners with reliable information during the pandemic, so it created a hotline with social media tools.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Why PR agency chief Kathy Tunheim is hopeful for the future

As chief executive of her Twin Cities firm, she makes time for exercise and family while still ensuring clients get top-quality service.

LEADERSHIP COMMUNICATIONS

How communicators can improve financial literacy—and secure a better seat at the table

Upping your business acumen can increase your effectiveness and boost your authority. Here’s what you need to know.