| Your free trial subscription expires 8/14/20. 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. QUOTE OF THE DAY "There's always an opportunity with crisis. Just as it forces an individual to look inside himself, it forces a company to reexamine its policies and practices." – Judy Smith COVID-19 UPDATE
Transparency is a key component of trust. Here’s how communications pros must offer context amid fast-paced changes due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Is an employee entitled to talk politics at work? Legal experts say it may be beneficial to curb political speech in the workplace, but guidelines must be applied evenly and fairly. Here’s how you can approach the problem. How are you staying organized during COVID-19 and WFH? Here’s why one PR pro is sticking with old school methods like a paper planner to go along with hours of Zoom meetings. Uber threatens to close California operations over employee classification. The ridesharing company’s CEO Dara Khosrowshahi explained how the ruling would impact the company in an interview with MSNBC. The Verge reported: … if their appeal fails, Uber may have to close up shop in California, Khosrowshahi said. “If the court doesn’t reconsider, then in California, it’s hard to believe we’ll be able to switch our model to full-time employment quickly,” he told MSNBC. Dr Pepper acknowledges shortages of its beloved soft drink on social media. The company’s message to fans who are thirsty for its sugary beverage: “Hang tight.” 
(image via) SoulCycle addresses claims that employee was demoted over pregnancy. A former company exec, Jordan Kafenbaum, says that she was reassigned and then fired 32 days after giving birth. The lawsuit also shines a light on a culture where a former CEO allegedly said that “paternity leave is for pussies.” Business Insider reported: "SoulCycle offers paid parental leave for all full-time employees," the SoulCycle representative said. "Ms. Kafenbaum was unfortunately laid off as part of a necessary restructuring due to the impact of COVID-19. She was paid for the entirety of her maternity leave and offered severance." How can your product launch break through during COVID-19? The new Ford Bronco launch offers some interesting takeaways on telling your brand story and protecting your reputation during these difficult times. Chili’s employee says she was attacked over COVID-19 policy. The teenage worker said a party of women physically attacked her when she refused to seat them together as part of corporate rules about social distancing. Chili’s gave this statement: “We care deeply for every ChiliHead and are disappointed by the incident that took place at our Baton Rouge Chili’s on August 9. We do not tolerate violent behavior in our restaurants, and are taking this incident very seriously as the safety and health of our Team Members and Guests is our top priority. Following this unprovoked attack, we immediately provided medical attention to our Team Member and called the local police department who is looking into this situation. We have made several attempts to contact the impacted Team Member and her family since the incident to provide support, but unfortunately have not received any response.” Employee well-being should be a focus for the rest of 2020. Issues like burnout and health and safety were already an issue pre-COVID and leaders say that the security and wellness of their workforce is a top concern during this crisis. Other issues include loss of productivity, maintaining culture during WFH and more. 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 8/14/20. Go here to extend your term, only $79/year. | 
