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The Inkwell
APRIL 2020
Ann Melinger
If you’re reading this, I’m worried about you.

Whether you work in internal communications, HR or some other employee support role, your work entails tremendous emotional labor. You’ve now spent the past month (or more) looking after the needs of your people, which is a serious load to bear on top of caring for yourself and your family during these uncertain times.

It’s becoming increasingly clear that we have a LONG road ahead of us. To have the stamina needed to support employees through the challenges ahead, we need to be in fighting shape – and right now, I’m feeling anything but. I’m sure most of you are in the same boat.

It's absolutely critical that we take time to slow down and recharge. Practice mindfulness. Take a nap. You can only work fueled by stress (and caffeine) for so long, and we all need sufficient rest to stay calm and continue to make brilliant decisions.

I’m redoubling my efforts to protect my own physical and mental wellbeing, and I hope you’ll do the same. Hang in there, take care of yourself, and don’t hesitate to call if there’s anything we can do to help.

Be well,
Ann & the Brilliant Ink Team
STAYING CURIOUS: Sparks of brilliance that caught our eye this month


That Discomfort You’re Feeling Is Grief - Harvard Business Review (Article)

David Kessler's insights on acknowledging grief and finding meaning in it really resonated with us (and we loved hearing him on Brene Brown's podcast). We've recommended this article the most to our clients for a reason. SEE WHY WE DIG IT. ►
 

Culture First Emergency Response Survey Templates - Culture Amp (Resource)

Is now a good time to survey employees? We think so! Using employee insights to inform your strategy is as important as ever. These templates can help you focus on both business continuity and employee experience. DOWNLOAD THIS BRILLIANCE. ►
 

Managing Stress and Emotions When Working Remotely - Liz + Mollie (Article)

Let's face it: working from home can feel isolating. Having to stay home during a global pandemic doesn't help. Liz and Mollie have pulled together eight practical tips for tackling remote work while managing stress and feelings. TAKE SOME ME TIME. ►
 

How Authentic Communications Wins the Day - Great Place to Work (Article)

In uncertain times, a leader communicating with empathy and transparency makes a difference. Marriott's CEO did just that in a brilliant video to employees and makes a great case study for the power of authenticity. LET'S GET REAL. ►
 


How To Define, Scale & Sustain Your Company Culture - Brilliant Ink Team (White Paper)

Few topics are as widely discussed (or misunderstood) as company culture. Now especially, how your company connects and supports its people will have a lasting impact. Here’s how you can shape and nurture your culture. DOWNLOAD THIS. ► 

The Post-COVID World of Work: 6 Ways You Can Prepare - Patty Rivas (Article)
Imagine what the world of work is going to look and feel like once we’re on the other side of COVID-19... Are you ready for it? Many things are out of our control but here are six things IC and HR pros can do before we return to “normal.” GET READY. ►

6 Remote Onboarding Program Ideas We Love - Jackie Berg (Listicle)
We’re seeing companies rise to the challenge of welcoming new hires from afar during the COVID-19 crisis. Need some inspiration? Here are six brilliant ways you can help your newbies feel engaged and fully supported. STEAL THESE IDEAS. ►
 

Fostering Employee Experience During Crisis - theEMPLOYEEapp (Webinar Recording)
We teamed up with Allison Davis (Davis & Co) and Amy Jenkins (theEMPLOYEEapp) for a great discussion on how to keep employees front and center in a crisis. If you only have 5 minutes, here's our #1 tip (as told by Ann's cartoon alter ego)! GET THE SCOOP. ►
 
Confinement Creativity
Even though we were already fully remote, working from home during a global pandemic is far from normal. Our team has been finding brilliant ways to tap into their creativity and we've loved seeing what they've gotten into.

Kate's having zoom playdates. Claire's painting portraits. Lindsay is decorating (with Claire's portraits). Sara's using her babies as weights for walks. Anna's family created a surprise window display for her parent's 42nd anniversary (love!). Becky's crafting tasty cocktails. We're even practicing virtual yoga as a team every other week with Krystle Sarkissian. :)
 
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