Over a month has passed since universities and workplaces have mandated stay-at-home procedures. During this month, we have seen changes in policies and social norms that reflect these unprecedented times.
Looking back 100 years the 1918 Spanish Influenza, we can see how recent innovations have put us in a better position to address this pandemic. One of the main issues in the Spanish flu was a lack of uniform communication. Local health authorities around the world suppressed data about the number of people affected, including the number of deaths.
Spain was one of the few countries mass communicating its statistics. Even though the virus infection did not have its origins within its borders, the attention that Spain received led to the name of the viral outbreak.
A massive difference we are experiencing is the increase in connectivity, especially with the use of the internet. It’s clear that direct access to information has affected how people understand and engage with current issues. In one week, there were 136.1 million mentions of the coronavirus within the United States.
In turn, the internet has allowed businesses to maintain operation and continue contact with customers and employees amidst the chaos.
With quarantine rules in place, the responsibility of companies and organizations is to ensure the safety and welfare of their employees and customers. Social media is a modern tool for organizations to combat the isolation the world is experiencing.
With mindful marketing, organizations can alleviate the tension and anxiety surrounding COVID-19, staying connected to their communities even while physically separated.
Walton College Executive Education has introduced a new social media series called “90 Seconds with Walton.” The series features videos in which Walton College faculty and staff share a small piece of knowledge or advice to help the executive education audience during the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of the series is to engage with the Walton College community and to share relevant knowledge and tools to navigate and flourish during this difficult time. Topics range from communication, healthcare, ethics, innovation and supply chain within new perspectives in the context of the pandemic. Videos can be viewed on the organization’s Linkedin.
Businesses and social media influencers have the power to influence the reaction and sentiments of their communities. The world may be social distancing, but through social media, we are becoming closer than ever.
