Ted Kitterman
Why Jenerate PR’s Jennifer Polito still picks up the phone
This PR veteran acknowledges that Zoom meetings have been valuable—but she still prefers old-school communications channels.
The Workplace
Beki Winchel
Facebook responds to antitrust lawsuits, Time announces ‘pet of the year,’ and Pantone selects two colors for 2021
Also: Cartoon Network racks up kudos for its anti-racism PSA, top challenges content marketers must overcome, Facebook’s ‘Year in Review,’ and more.
Ted Kitterman
How to deliver meaningful, safe messages about mental health
A health care comms expert shares lessons learned from a campaign to support mental health during the pandemic.
Tim Vaughan
9 steps for developing your internal communications plan
There’s plenty of work involved, but the payoffs are important: efficiency, collaboration, budget dollars and, potentially, a seat at the decision-making table.
Beki Winchel
McKinsey apologizes for role in opioid crisis, Redbox launches streaming service, and Google’s Year in Search
Also: Universal Orlando Resorts pokes fun at an old tweet, Home Depot’s quest to reunite toy with toddler goes viral, Twitter users ridicule Apple’s AirPods Max, and more.
Ted Kitterman
Red Lorry Yellow Lorry’s Hélène Joubert: We can be resilient
Despite all the hardships the industry has faced in 2020, here’s what is giving hope to the European director for the lorries.
Beki Winchel
IKEA discontinues 70-year-old catalog, KFC and Lifetime offer holiday ‘mini-movie,’ and Dentsu to lay off 6,000
Also: American to offer pre-flight COVID-19 tests, 70% of UK consumers say digital content affects perception of accompanying ads, remote meeting etiquette, and more.
Ragan Insider Ted Kitterman
Report: Digital strategy takes precedence in communicators’ plans for the future
In a survey for our recent Future of Communications virtual conference, participants share their priorities and concerns ahead of another year of uncertainty.
Meghan Madhavan
5 ways to build a partnership with IT to improve employee experience
Rachel Williams and Lisa LaVan from Social Chorus discussed how internal communicators and IT professionals can break down barriers during a recent Ragan webinar.
Beki Winchel
Time releases ‘worst year ever’ cover, Lufthansa Group to lay off 29,000, and Zalando co-CEO steps down to support wife’s career
Also: Microsoft embraces positivity and connection with its holiday commercial, Planters ages its mascot again, a guide to creating effective infographics, and more.
Ted Kitterman
How crisis communications has changed
After a year of disruption and chaos, what about the practice of crisis communications is new and what’s the same as it ever was?
Ted Kitterman
Even in a challenging year, communicators remain thankful. Here’s what they’re telling us.
It’s been a year of more lows than highs, but readers were willing to share some of the things that made them grateful in a tough year.
Beki Winchel
Walmart announces employee bonuses and extended leave, Warner Bros. to stream films with theatrical releases, and Southwest warns of 6,800 job cuts
Also: McKinsey & Co. reports that only 18% of top companies made internal DE&I commitments, Dunkin’ holiday drink goes viral, Miller Lite celebrates lack of holiday office parties, and more.
Art Petty i
7 ways to elicit better workplace feedback
Most companies have a serious deficit of unvarnished truth. Here’s how to improve your discourse, build trust, and create healthier expectations among employees.
Ted Kitterman
Momentum Communications Group’s Jim Miller: Find time to ‘unplug’
The agency leader shares his messages for clients and staff during the ongoing crisis and what has helped him through a tough year.
