You can look at recent surveys in at least two ways: 2020 was an anomaly, so any survey results are suspect, or let’s dive in and see if assumptions about PR’s role during an usual… Continued
Internal Communication


[VIDEO] Bessie Kokalis Pescio, Global Head, Internal Communications, Philip Morris Int
June 23rd, 2021 by Seth ArensteinPRNEWS Live on LinkedIn today (June 23, 2021) welcomed Bessie Kokalis Pescio, global head, internal communications for Philip Morris International. She discussed lessons learned during the pandemic and post-pandemic plans for the global company’s internal… Continued

A Three-Part Approach to Communication Can Help Mitigate the Effects of a Crisis
June 15th, 2021 by Robert HastingsHow do we, as communicators, ensure our shadow reflects our company, our organization’s culture and our brand values, rather than the news, accurate or not, surrounding a crisis?

Lack of Transparency May Have Helped AP Delay But Not Avoid an Internal Crisis
June 15th, 2021 by Seth ArensteinIn this month’s issue, we ask crisis pros whether the AP averted a crisis over its handling of Emily Wilder’s firing

Encourage Empathy, Active Listening En Route to Bolstering Employee Trust
June 1st, 2021 by Kate O'Sullivan, Managing Director, ADPRWhile 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.

How Philip Morris Increased Internal Communication without Overwhelming Recipients
June 1st, 2021 by Seth ArensteinHow 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.

The AP Sees Internal Communication Struggle After Firing Reporter
May 25th, 2021 by Nicole SchumanA 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.

How Can Corporations Avoid Being Dragged into Political Controversies?
May 12th, 2021 by Arthur SolomonThe 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.

Consider Mental Health as PR Pros Return to Office
May 5th, 2021 by Isabel Podda, Global COO and Sophie Cikovsky, VP, Infinite GlobalWe 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.

NYC Mayor Faces PR Backlash as City Employees Return to Office
May 3rd, 2021 by Sophie MaerowitzNew 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.