TIP OF THE DAY “Share information on dealing with stress and anxiety, although take care not to be too directive about it. Provide resources that offer a variety of suggestions so that each employee can find something that is right for them.” – Orangefiery Report COVID-19 UPDATE
Use every channel at your disposal. The American Lung Association’s Julia Fitzgerald says you have to be nimble and omnipresent to reach key audiences during this crisis. Here are her tips on how to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Highlight your efforts to serve the “greater good.” Being of service requires authenticity and sacrifice. Here are some tips for how to avoid looking opportunistic and portray your good works as the charitable mission it’s intended to be. Amazon threatens disciplinary action for employees who don’t socially distance. The company has faced criticism over how it has handled employee safety in warehouses during the outbreak. Now the company is taking a more aggressive stance, asking workers to stay at least six feet apart or risk consequences. CNBC reported: The company began notifying warehouse workers in recent days that if they fail to follow social distancing rules, they could face disciplinary action, according to a document obtained by CNBC. The first violation will result in a written warning, and if employees are caught a second time, they could get fired. Don’t punish workers who speak out about COVID-19 preparations. The Navy’s PR nightmare around the removal of Captain Crozier for his efforts to raise the alarm about coronavirus cases aboard his vessel is a cautionary tale for business and PR leaders. Attempting to discredit whistleblowers is unadvised at any time—but particularly in the current climate. Preemptively threatening to fire employees to avoid bad press is also misguided. Employees want more transparency from leaders. In a report from Orangefiery about COVID-19 messaging, respondents said they wanted more information about what leaders know—and what they don’t. 
Image courtesy of Orangefiery. Lead with “authenticity” and “vulnerability.” Peppercomm’s Steve Cody shares how his agency has adjusted to our coronavirus reality, including responding when employees became ill with the virus, and helping his NYC-based employees through a difficult period. Here are his takeaways for PR pros. Make a good impression on your video call. Here are some tips for how to improve your image, from framing and backgrounds to finding the right lighting to give a good first impression. The CDC updates guidance for protecting employees. Make sure you’re offering all the latest and most accurate info from trusted authorities, and take time to explain why changes occur. Here are some of the latest updates. What tactics are still appropriate during this crisis? Here are some simple rules of engagement to help you strategize during this unique crisis and make sure you prepare your organization for a recovery after it’s all over—without sacrificing your reputation in the short-term. Employees need extra help following the latest CDC regulations. Starbucks is sharing tutorials for employees to make compliant face coverings as they have started to require workers to wear masks while working. The chain only operates drive-throughs at the current time. Virtual Conference Alert Join us for Ragan’s Internal Communications and Culture Virtual Conference April 21-22 to learn how you can connect dispersed workers and unite your organization in the face of unprecedented disruption. Join our Crisis Leadership Board Ragan’s Crisis Leadership Board is the resource you need before, during and post-crisis. As a Board member, you have access to all back issues of this newsletter, we 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! | 
