5 essential steps for communicating in a crisis

Three months ago, daily life in the United States changed dramatically. The outbreak of COVID-19 led to nationwide shelter-in-place restrictions.

Millions of Americans began working from home, others risked their health and lives working on the front lines, and millions lost their jobs altogether. Employers swung into action to adjust business operations to the new normal, while professional employees switched from face-to-face office meetings to virtual conferences, all while balancing or at least attempting to balance the stressors of full-time lockdown with family, roommates and pets.

Just as we began to adjust our home and work lives to this new, surreal reality, our country was rocked by another crisis. In response to the tragic death of George Floyd at the hands of law enforcement in Minneapolis, protests against racial inequality and police brutality have erupted throughout the nation.

Almost everyone in the country has been affected by these events, including American business. Many companies have been quick to share their outrage and commitment to solidarity, while others have failed to respond in a timely and appropriate manner.