Steve Barrett at PRWeek shares the results of a PRWeek survey “covering infection rates, budgets, layoffs, furloughs, payment terms, financial assistance, offices of the future and return to work.” Among the findings:
- “Almost half of respondents have been directly impacted health-wise by COVID-19; 18% have team members or family of team members who have died from COVID-19
- Clients: Almost 64% reduced PR budgets, one in three significantly. Agencies: 77% of clients reduced retainers; 90% postponed campaigns, 83% canceled activations
- Almost four in 10 clients imposed extended payment terms during COVID-19
- One in five agencies laid off staff and instigated furloughs; 11% of clients
- Only 30% of respondents applied for Payment Protection Program loans
- New world of work will include: social distancing, virtual workforces, daily deep cleaning, screening, temperature tests and work-life balance
- More than half of respondents believe they will return to the office in June or July”
Denver Public Relations Blog 