PR Insiders

Coronavirus is changing so many things, internal communications included, argues Jesse Hamlin, who runs corporate communications at Avalara, the global tax firm. As the pandemic continues, internal communicators will need to monitor the needs of employees so messaging can adapt to the changing conditions.

With a homebound audience during the pandemic, it’s tempting for brands and organizations to flood the digital zone with endless rounds of messages. That’s a mistake, Evoke KYNE global digital chief Julie O’Donnell says. Instead, consider first whether your message is adding value or noise.

Internal communication has become critically important as 90 percent of Americans are homebound. Here are four tips that can propel your internal communication effort during coronavirus and at other times.

Even though the majority of PR teams are laying off, furloughing or reducing salaries, jobs remain and interviews are continuing. Here’s a collection of tactics to help you secure a position. In short, research should be a key part of your interview preparation. In addition, think about volunteering your services to nonprofits. They’re in need of PR help at this moment.

Organizations are using data to inform news reporting, make personal, professional and civic decisions, or simply get a better picture of what’s unfolding.

For homebound PR pros who find they have time on their hands, finishing a writing project or beginning one are tantalizing thoughts. Without a twice-daily commute and nowhere to go on weekends, you’d think there should be a lot of time for writing. It’s not quite that easy. Fret not. Writing coach Ann Wylie offers a 3-step plan to help organize your writing time.

Working in a highly regulated industry with multiple stakeholders, Aflac’s communications team issued some 150 pieces of content during the pandemic’s first weeks. One tactic the team is using, writes CCO Catherine Hernandez-Blades, is to condition audiences to head to a single point for information and updates.

The PPP loan program was supposed to help small businesses that the coronavirus ravaged. How, then, did ‘small businesses’ like the Los Angeles Lakers, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and AutoNation apply for and receive money?

Even in this crisis, headhunters, brands, media outlets, and PR agencies are still hiring. Make sure your résumé stands out.

Companies are looking at how to pivot their external communications. For both internal and external communications they are adapting to new technologies and ways of working.