As we move past the early reactive response period to the coronavirus pandemic, companies eager to shift into recovery mode first need to stop and ask one critical question: "What does this mean for our employees?" 

We at Maritz Motivation are committed to creating an inclusive environment for our team and advancing the diversity of our company. We are ready to listen so we can collectively work together to be part of the solution to end systemic racism in our country. 

Despite being on my current team for a year and a half, I’ve never felt closer to my colleagues until the last few months. Previously, I was the lone remote worker. Today, everyone is working remote due to COVID-19, which evens the playing field in terms of team building activities.

Making data-driven decisions is a best practice. But in times when historical parallels are scarce, where else should one turn for guidance?

In this video, I'll share the basics of two key behavioral science principles that will help your team better predict how customers will respond to your loyalty program during this crisis.

In our lives “before” – before COVID-19, before massive economic disruption, before increasing unemployment – it was okay if you primarily saw your loyalty program as a means to drive more transactions for your brands.  In fact, that was probably working for you pretty well.  But we’re in a different market now, one where consumers are suddenly evaluating brands and purchase decisions very differently.

Editor’s Note: This post was co-written by Nicole Harris and Dawn Schillinger.

Since February, the whole world has been a captive audience watching one breaking news update roll in after the other, documenting the spread of COVID-19 and its impact on our daily lives.

The COVID-19 pandemic is changing things for not just us and our families, but also the auto industry as a whole. Showrooms have shuttered across the country. Leads are dwindling. Even service bays are running with skeleton crews as more and more drivers ditch the office to begin working from home. And while the situation may feel overwhelming, it’s comforting to know that we’re in this together, and we’ll get through it together.

The annual Future of Automotive Retail (FAR) Summit, presented by Maritz Automotive, brought together OEMs, dealers, technology disruptors, academics and industry experts to discuss the state of the automotive industry and its future. 

There is no shortage of businesses who are doing their part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and adopting new approaches to taking care of their customers, employees and the rest of the general population while keeping their own business healthy. During these times, communication is key, and the health and safety of the public should be a top priority for businesses.