Internal Communication

In this month’s issue, we ask crisis pros whether the AP averted a crisis over its handling of Emily Wilder’s firing

How does a large organization like Philip Morris International keep all internal stakeholders on the same page during a pandemic and in normal times? That’s some of what we asked PMI’s head of global internal communication Bessie Kokalis Pescio. In addition, we asked how internal communicators at small companies should approach their work.

While it’s unclear what comes next, it seems certain change is imminent. Moreover, building and maintaining a corporate culture, or, perhaps rebuilding one for the post-pandemic environment, will occupy a large majority of businesses and organizations. Among the tasks ahead for internal communicators will be gaining, or regaining, employee trust. In addition, motivating and engaging staff will occupy internal communicators. Of course, none of this will happen overnight. And leadership buy-in is critical.

A lack of transparency regarding the firing led 100 AP staffers to release an open letter regarding disapproval for the handling of the situation and an unclear social media policy.

The old version of the PR playbook urged companies to release statements saying they were apolitical, which hardly ever was true. Today, companies should consider encouraging employees to participate in politics.

We asked Infinite Global’s global COO Isabel Podda and VP Sophie Cikovsky to discuss the importance of mental health awareness in PR as communicators return to the office. Since PR traditionally is in the top 10 of most-stressful occupations, mental health awareness is critical. It’s more so in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio says a recent $200 million investment in building improvements—as well as the fact that 180,000 city workers are fully vaccinated—will keep workers safe. City employees are not convinced. Carefully crafting return-to-work messages is something the Mayor and corporate leaders are facing.

While some executives believe banning political discussion can protect workers and create a more productive environment, employees and consumers may disagree.

COVID-19 and a rapid succession of political, economic and racial crises presented an unprecedented challenge to an unrivaled American cultural institution, the Met.  One of its most valuable assets was particularly under threat: its people.

Vaccination cards fill social media timelines. Grandparents are planning reunions with grandchildren. Schools have reopened. Major League Baseball just began its season with fans. And friends are making plans to enjoy their first meals inside… Continued