March 29, 2023
Social Media Platforms Changing Amidst Ongoing Uncertainty
From mass layoffs to security lapses, social media companies face an uncertain future. Platforms are adjusting as expectations change and audiences adapt. Twitter has made the most noise, transforming verification by phasing out blue checkmarks for unpaid users and altering account recommendations. Following Twitter’s lead, Meta is rolling out verification subscriptions for both Facebook and Instagram. Meta’s also making up for declining revenue by adding paid search posts and reminder ads within Instagram.
Managing social media is also changing. As more third parties phase out free plans, platforms are adopting in-app support—LinkedIn recently joined Twitter and launched native post scheduling. Social media managers must continue honing their skills to keep up with a quickly changing landscape. The good news? Public relations pros have access to more tools than ever before.
Remote Work Divide Persists for Employees and Employers
The debate regarding remote work isn’t dying down anytime soon. A new labor report indicates fewer employers allowed hybrid work last year, though more employees are demanding it. While recent research show remote workers worry more about job security, many employers have yet to establish recommended protocols to accommodate them. For remote work to work, organizations must develop plans to engage workers and safeguard cyber security.
Despite resistance from some executives, studies have shown remote workers are more productive. Firms can better support employees by building effective hybrid teams and getting more intentional about meetings. Changing work requires new approaches to everything from managing office rents to reevaluating the length of the average workweek.
More Organizations and Executives Must be Prepared for Crises
A recent study reported less than half of U.S. companies have sufficient crisis communications planning. In today’s world of social media and emergent AI, online narratives can break out at any moment. As recent financial turmoil has shown, it’s imperative organizations and executives stay prepared for unexpected events. This means having a modern crisis communications plan in place—a rubric leadership and staff can rely on for coherent and consistent messaging.
In addition to a formal plan, organizations must ensure strong communicators have a seat at the leadership table. Once a crisis arises, plans should be implemented immediately with necessary stakeholders informed. Most importantly, leaders must embrace authenticity and learn from the situation.
Sequence Summaries: Social Media Uncertainty, Remote Work Wars, and Confronting Crises
Tweet
Sequence Summaries is a weekly series summarizing the top news and takeaways in PR and strategic communications. Sign-up for direct delivery to your inbox.