FT News Briefing Companies react to protests, fear of Covid spike, Zoom’s surge
Jun 3, 2020
Companies are stepping up to address systemic racism, revealing personal commitments from leaders. Public health experts express concern that protests may worsen the Covid-19 situation, raising important questions about safety. Meanwhile, Zoom has seen a remarkable surge in popularity as remote work becomes essential, marking a significant shift in corporate communications. This intersection of social justice and public health reveals both challenges and opportunities for change.
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CEO Responses to George Floyd
- Citigroup's CFO, Mark Mason, shared a personal post about George Floyd.
- CEOs like Hans Vestberg and Ken Frazier also spoke out, showing a broader response than usual.
Increased Corporate Activism
- Businesses may be stepping up due to a perceived political vacuum and increasing pressure to address sociopolitical issues.
- This trend is driven by employees and consumers, especially for big consumer brands.
From Words to Action
- Companies should move beyond social media posts and take concrete action against systemic racism.
- Focus on diverse hiring, equitable pay, investment in minority communities, and supporting equality-focused policies.