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Don’t Neglect Spiritual, Mental Health During this Time of Health Crisis, Baylor Expert Says
In a difficult and ever-changing time of crisis surrounding the spread of coronavirus, the basic needs of health and safety come first. But as these basic physiological needs are met, the more advanced care for spiritual and mental health can remain overlooked or ignored altogether. Baylor University’s Holly Oxhandler, Ph.D., LMSW., associate dean for research and faculty development and assistant professor the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work, is an expert on mental health, primarily anxiety and depression, as well as religion and spirituality in clinical practice. In this Q&A, she shares tips and resources to help unhook from the baser instincts of fear and anxiety, even momentarily, to monitor and care for spiritual and mental health needs. Q: During a crisis, why do spiritual and mental health needs tend to be overlooked or ignored? A: In the midst of a crisis, our natural reaction is to go into a fight-or-flight response to the situation. Our most basic needs must be met, such as finding a sense of safety, and our bodies are doing what they were designed to do: to protect us. For example, if we were to encounter a bear on a hiking trail, our sympathetic nervous system would be activated to meet the basic need of keeping us safe. Our spiritual and mental health are not primary needs in that moment of crisis. If we were to run from that bear and reach safety, our emotions would eventually become regulated, our breathing would become normal, and we could return to a generally balanced way of being that allows for attention to our spiritual and mental health. However, we are in a prolonged moment of crisis surrounded by uncertainty, constantly evolving news updates and daily threats to our and loved ones’ safety regarding our health, finances and sense of normalcy. In this state of constant stress, it can be really hard to unhook from the fight-or-flight response and remember to tend to our spiritual and mental health. Q: How can people tend to their spiritual health during this time of crisis? A: In this moment, most of us are being forced to be still and/or surrender the illusion of control in ways we have never faced before. In this stillness, our spiritual practices can help remind us of a divine Love that is with us through each moment, but we must intentionally set time aside to practice them. Plus, many research studies have shown healthy, positive spiritual practices have the potential to support our mental and physical health. One thing that’s very important, especially in the midst of this crisis, is that we do not spiritually bypass what’s happening. It may be tempting to want to jump to hope and ignore the pain, but to the best of our ability, our faith traditions teach us we must sit with and feel the grief rooted in the overwhelming change and loss we and our neighbors are facing. As Fr. Richard Rohr says, “If we do not transform the pain, we will most assuredly transmit it – usually to those closest to us.” We must be with the fear and uncertainty, grieve the loss of life as we knew it a few weeks ago, pray the psalms of lament, and feel the freedom to wrestle with and/or cry out to God in ways we read about others doing so in our sacred texts. The important thing is that each of us engages in something tied to our faith, regardless of what we believe in, and to be consistent in the practice, continually learning to surrender that sense of control we’re all finding ourselves learning to do right now. Spiritual Health Tips Prayer Reading our sacred text Meditation Centering prayer (my personal favorite, which teaches us silence, solitude and stillness) Breath prayers (here are some examples) Engaging in creativity (music, dance, art) as an act of worship Practicing gratitude Seeking beauty in the mundane Yoga Journaling Especially in this time of increased isolation, I would recommend inviting others into these practices for a sense of solidarity and community, including those within our home or via social media, video conferencing or by phone. Q: How can people tend to their mental health needs? A: The first practice I would recommend is to pause and breathe deep for 4-5 seconds, noticing your belly rise instead of your chest, and breathe out for 6-7 seconds. The second would be grounding. When our brain is flooded with information and emotion, it is hard to stay present. In grounding, we take a deep breath and ask ourselves five questions to return to the present moment: What do I smell right now? What do I taste? What do I see in front of me? What can I touch and feel the surface of? What do I hear? A third recommendation would be to get outside as often as you can and, ideally, into some sunlight. I would also recommend the practice of tuning into our bodies. For many of us, it can be difficult to pay attention to what our bodies are trying to tell us, in the same way our thoughts and emotions communicate with us. Especially now, pay attention to the tension in your neck, the overall exhaustion, the pain in your arm muscles, the tightness in your chest, or any other experiences you notice by tuning in. Your body may be trying to tell you to spend less time watching the news (maybe cut back to 1-2 times a day), to take a nap or to move it and exercise. Last, and perhaps most importantly, do not hesitate to reach out for help if you are noticing changes in your appetite, sleep, mood, thoughts or feelings. Stay in communication with loved ones but just as you would seek a medical doctor for a broken arm, seek a therapist when you notice changes in your mental health. Many therapists are quickly adapting to telehealth services in this moment to meet growing demands and social distancing expectations. Some sites for finding a therapist include Psychology Today or HelpPRO, and if you or a loved one are deeply struggling, please reach out to the National Suicide Hotline or call 800-273-TALK (8255). Reaching out for help with your mental health is a sign of courage, not weakness. Q: During this time of crisis, what populations do you feel are most vulnerable to mental or spiritual health decline? A: Honestly, I think every single one of us are vulnerable to mental and spiritual health decline during this moment for varying reasons. As mentioned before, these parts of us are easily brushed aside when we’re most focused on ensuring our basic needs of safety and security are met. Still, there are a few groups I’m especially sensitive to. The first are the helpers on the front line facing far more need than resources, time or energy to meet those needs. These include our health care providers, social workers, therapists, grocery and restaurant employees, teachers, parents, nonprofit organizations, faith leaders, volunteers, community leaders, pharmacists, lab technicians, scientists and more. These helpers are at such high risk of burnout and my hope is that, to the best of their ability, they are caring for themselves holistically in order to care for others well. I’m also sensitive to a few other groups who are vulnerable to mental and spiritual health decline. First, older adults are the most religious cohort and are already at risk for depression and isolation even without a crisis, so I worry for them in light of the necessary social distancing. Second, in light of added pressures, those with various mental illnesses must continue to care for themselves via the medication or therapy they need. Third, I’m sensitive to those who are recovering from a substance or behavioral addiction and are now surrounded by overwhelming stressors that put them at a higher risk of relapse. Thankfully, recovery groups are now moving online and I would encourage those in recovery or remain plugged into a group. Q: Many people are unable to access a doctor or professional therapist to get help. What are some resources for those that may need free or low-cost options? A: There are a number of websites that can help individuals find a professional mental health care provider, such as a licensed clinical social worker, psychologist, counselor or marriage and family therapist. I mentioned Psychology Today, HelpPRO, and the Suicide Prevention Hotline above, but there are others. Better Help and Talk Space are two growing online therapy sites and Low Cost Help elevates providers with affordable rates. I also host a weekly podcast, CXMH: Christianity and Mental Health, which has a ton of episodes on various topics related to this intersection, including a recent one specifically on COVID-19. You can also contact your insurance provider to see who is in network or, if you do have a primary care provider, see if they have any recommendations. Your local faith communities may also have a list of mental health care providers to consider. There are also many organizations committed to providing resources, including the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the National Institute on Mental Health. Q: How can neighbors help neighbors and individuals help individuals outside of the professional or therapy setting? A: I really want to emphasize that, especially in this moment, we must practice extending grace, being still and holistically caring for ourselves so that we can care for others well. We can do our part to serve those who are serving others, even if that means practicing social distancing and stillness, while tending to our spiritual and mental health. Discerning what is ours to do in this moment to offer help, healing, hope and love to our neighbors as well as ourselves, and to help protect our helpers from burning out, will be critical in the days and weeks ahead. As Chris and Phileena Heuertz shared in their prayer, A Call to Solidarity During COVID-19: “You’re not alone. We’re in this together. We’ll do everything we can to help.” ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 18,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. ABOUT THE DIANA R. GARLAND SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK AT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work is home to one of the leading graduate social work programs in the nation with a research agenda focused on the integration of faith and practice. Upholding its mission of preparing social workers in a Christian context for worldwide service and leadership, the School offers a baccalaureate degree (B.S.W.); a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree available on the Waco or Houston campuses or online; three joint-degree options, M.S.W./M.B.A., M.S.W./M.Div. and M.S.W./M.T.S., through a partnership with Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business and George W. Truett Theological Seminary; and an online Ph.D. program. Visit www.baylor.edu/social_work to learn more.
Baylor Expert on Remote Work Shares 5 Key Tips to Make the Most of Working from Home
The international response to the COVID-19 public health crisis has led millions of workers to make home their new office as communities and organizations promote social distancing to slow the spread of the virus. For many individuals, this spring marks the first time they will have worked from home for a substantial amount of time. Sara Perry, Ph.D., assistant professor of management in Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business, an internationally-recognized remote work researcher and author of a 2018 study published in the European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, offers tips in five key areas for employees to consider as they make the most of working from home. “Research has given us some good empirical evidence of key areas that will help remote work be more successful,” Perry said. Create a physical work space. Perry: If it’s possible, we have to have a separate working space, especially if you can close the door to focus. This would be ideal, but if you can't do that, try setting up different workspaces around your home that are well-defined and that you can “close” at the end of the day to help maintain a balance in terms of your family and your work. Now, if you have kids in the mix as well, then I think we need to set up a workstation for them as well. It can be the kitchen table or the bar. Younger kids can have stations of their own, too – like the stations they would have in preschool. Some people even talk about making a standing desk with books, to be able to move your position throughout the day. Everyone in the family might even like to rotate around throughout the day, sharing the different work spaces. Think about how you can work outside, too, weather permitting. Adhere to a work schedule – and take breaks. Perry: We aren't going to have clear boundaries of time. We're going to have to make them. The best thing to do is to start with a schedule similar to what you would already be doing if you went to work. If you can try to stick close to the same schedule, you're going to find the transition easier. Don't start sleeping in and doing things completely differently — that will make the adjustment a lot harder. Take breaks. Research by my colleagues Emily Hunter and Cindy Wu found that optimal breaks come mid-morning, and it can set you up for the rest of the day. It’s important to get up and move away from the screen periodically. A short break can help preserve your focus and attention resources for the rest of the day. For your further well-being, you will need to turn work off at the end of the day, because no one is going to shut it off for you. Pick a way that you're going to do that, whether it's to put your stuff away, or by planning some sort of transition time that would replace what your commute would have done. Some people will call someone or listen to a podcast. For others, or a walk around the neighborhood provides something to transition and decompress. Think about what you would normally do (or want to do) and see if you can work that in for your own transition from work to family time. Connect with others. Perry: The change in physical environment is going to be a big change even for people who are used to working remotely. At work, you may feel a sense of connection to people even if you don’t even talk to them. You at least have their presence, and we’re going to miss that in the coming weeks. One of the biggest concerns in the remote work literature is isolation, and while individuals who have families at home might not feel isolated from people in general, we might feel isolated from our professional lives and identity. We’ll have to be more proactive about using technology in a way to stay connected while still remaining productive. We don’t want to have virtual meetings for the sake of meetings, but we might want to have some for the sake of connection. For leaders, check in and make sure people have resources and that they are doing okay as we all adapt to a virtual workspace. Try to be proactive about it. Maybe we have a video call simply to check in for 30 minutes at the end of the day or whenever, just try to stay connected. Help children and family adjust. Perry: With my children, I’m thinking about how to create some type of structure, taking lessons from our homeschool friends about how they set up their day. I’ve found that my children and my friends’ children get excited about reconstructing their own schedule from school at home. So, let them have some input about what their day should look like, and try to work your schedule in tandem or in parallel with that. Scheduling loose blocks of time for tasks throughout the day can help with this, too. Blocking off time can help you communicate, “for the next 30 minutes or the next hour, we’re all going to work on this activity at our separate stations, then meet and redirect. We know it's possible because a lot of schools have a model where students are self-directed. You give them direction and then they go do it. However, we also don’t want to over-schedule, or over-do anything. We need to enjoy the time that we have with them, and be grateful for that, and practice gratitude daily as we try to manage all of this.” Manage expectations. Perry: In light of everything that we're facing, it’s important to stay flexible. That’s true for leaders—really try to have flexibility and allow your employees to figure out how remote work best works for them. We can't micromanage from afar. We can check in, make sure everyone has resources, make sure people are doing OK. Some people need a little more of that than others, but we really need to just adapt and be flexible. It’s important that everyone should try to be realistic, be clear with expectations, but also try to be realistic about what's actually going to happen over the next several weeks. All of us are under a lot of stress, more stress than normal. So, we just have to have realistic expectations and recognize that all of us, and our leaders, are experiencing a learning curve. We need to think about the big picture as we roll this out, and really keep employee wellbeing as the number one consideration. Note: This interview is adapted from Dr. Perry’s interview on the Baylor Connections podcast. Visit the Baylor Connections website to listen to the full interview. ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 18,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. ABOUT HANKAMER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY At Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business, integrity stands shoulder-to-shoulder with analytic and strategic strengths. The School’s top-ranked programs combine rigorous classroom learning, hands-on experience in the real world, a solid foundation in Christian values and a global outlook. Making up approximately 25 percent of the University’s total enrollment, undergraduate students choose from 16 major areas of study. Graduate students choose from full-time, executive or online MBA or other specialized master’s programs, and Ph.D. programs in Information Systems, Entrepreneurship or Health Services Research. The Business School also has campuses located in Austin and Dallas, Texas. Visit www.baylor.edu/business and follow on Twitter at twitter.com/Baylor_Business.
What are IDC's Tech Insights on the Impact of COVID-19 on the Canadian Market?
Dear Member of the IDC Canada Community, As we all adapt to this ever changing environment, our Canadian team has been working behind the scenes analyzing the COVID-19 impact on the Canadian ICT market. This email provides you with tech insights, including updates on market outlook and further resources to help you make critical business decisions in the weeks and months ahead. Canadian Total IT Spending Growth for 2020 Revised Down from 2.4% to -5.0% in the Most Probable IDC Canada Research Scenario The coronavirus outbreak across the world and the necessary containment measures put in place by governments will substantially affect the Canadian IT markets, severely accelerating the impact already felt from the supply-driven effects from Asia. In this extremely fluid scenario, International Data Corporation (IDC) now expects to see a significant slowdown in technology spending in 2020 across Canadian organizations, with IT spending expected to decline by -5.0%. As recently as December 2019, we were projecting a positive 2.4% growth rate for 2020. However, with new stringent containment and lockdown measures in place across Canada, resulting in a rapidly deteriorating economic outlook, GDP forecasts have recently been revised down sharply for Q2 and Q3. "Technology vendors and buyers are rapidly adapting to the disruption and the extremely fast-moving market conditions," said Nigel Wallis , Research VP, IoT & Industries at IDC Canada. "In such a rapidly changing environment, it is still too early to assess the overall impact on the Canadian IT market fully. However, given the sharp economic contraction, IDC recommends that all technology leaders recalibrate their strategies." IDC Canada has developed three scenarios to help technology providers and buyers with their short-term business and technology investment planning. "The probable scenario assumes the coronavirus is broadly contained by June. The optimistic scenario assumes the virus is more rapidly contained, and business and investments recover quickly and accelerate in Q3. Finally, a pessimistic scenario that considers a less controlled, longer-lasting, virus 'rebound' effect through Q3 and Q4," said Tony Olvet , GVP Research, at IDC Canada. A Probable Scenario Depicting a Decline In the most probable scenario, IDC projects Canadian IT spending to decline by -5.0% in constant currency terms this year, down from the 2.4% forecast published at the end of 2019. "When taking a broad historical view of Canadian IT spending across the past decade, the impact of the COVID-19 crisis is expected to exceed the levels of the 2008–2009 financial crisis. As such, it does represent the most significant deceleration in IT spending growth Canada has experienced in modern time," said Lars Goransson, Managing Director at IDC Canada. As restrictions of movement bite, supply-chain disruption becomes commonplace, and demand drops, Canadian IT spending will drop rapidly in Q2. Particularly manufacturing, personal and consumer services, transportation, and hospitality will be sharply curbed, as these industries are the most exposed to the COVID-19 crisis impact in the short-, mid-, and long-term view. At the same time, other sectors, such as healthcare and government, will be forced to accelerate investments significantly. IDC expects this will drive additional IT investments for the public sector, pushing hard on infrastructure and collaboration tools deployments, but not before the second half of 2020." In the most pessimistic scenario, IDC expects ICT spending to drop and record a –8.2% decline in 2020, with all technology domains showing negative trends for the remaining part of the year. A series of domino effects, including oil price changes, currency depreciation, the inability of governments to make timely payments, delays in the supply chains and significant lay-offs would lead to a much more dramatic impact on the overall ICT market and an exponential increase in the downside risk in IDC's market forecast assumptions. The new outlook is shaped primarily by lower expectations in the hardware and services markets: Hardware markets will suffer due to restriction measures hampering supply and overall reduced demand. Client Devices are particularly hit hard, initially because of supply constraints and in later quarters as reduced demand further erode growth. The most significant impact on the IT services industry will be a result of businesses postponing decisions on pending projects and slowing the execution of projects in the delivery phase. Spending reductions on the software and telecoms markets are less pronounced, and some positive factors are expected to moderate the natural downturn somewhat. While the decrease in hardware spending will also negatively impact the overall software market to a degree, difficulties prompted by COVID-19 across industries will impact total telecommunication spending (this will be examined in forthcoming IDC Canada research). At the same time, the increasing need for remote collaboration will push telecom services demand and drive new opportunities in the collaborative applications and platforms areas, as well as an increase in security technologies that enable them. The pre-existing digital maturity of industries will also be a factor impacting on their capacity to invest in technologies, regardless of their budget capabilities. Limited face-to-face business relationships between vendors and end-users will inevitably also reduce investment in significant digital transformation projects in less mature industries, and especially for projects involving more advanced technologies. Social distancing and provincial lock downs (the duration is hard to predict) will also have significant consequences on the purchasing options for many consumers. Additional factors weighing on investment will range from a decrease in customer demand to supply chains breaking up," said Meng Cong , Manager, Market Insights & Analytics at IDC Canada. "Nevertheless, there are areas in which spending will grow. In use cases such as patient care as well as customer, citizen, student or employee experience and proximity, we expect to see accelerated adoption of digital solutions. Specific solutions such as videoconferencing, intelligent supply, chatbots, and e-learning platforms, among others, highlight how technology can help businesses and societies address these new challenges." Register for our Complimentary Webcast Now On-Demand IDC's Canadian team is closely monitoring the evolution of the ICT market and its reaction to the coronavirus crisis through multiple research initiatives: this includes monthly surveys to poll Canadian digital leaders on their organizations' digital investment plans in light of COVID-19 scenarios. If you are interested in knowing more about this, please register for the IDC Canada Complimentary Webcast COVID-19 Impact in the Canadian Technology Market. To learn more about what to expect in the months ahead and what organizations should do in response to this market turmoil, please visit www.idc.com/ca and IDC’s Global COVID-19 resources microsite at: https://www.idc.com/misc/covid19. Contact Information: If you'd like to learn more about how IDC Canada can help you, please feel free to contact us at askidc@idccanada.com or your IDC representative directly with any questions.
While a huge focus is on health and mortality during the coronavirus outbreak, not to be forgotten are those who are grappling with death from natural causes, diseases, accidents and crime. Funerals and visitations are the customary means of support friends and loved ones — but restricted travel and social distancing poses challenges. Here are suggestions about grieving from Candi Cann, Ph.D., associate professor in the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core of the Honors College and author of “Virtual Afterlives: Grieving the Dead in the Twenty-first Century”; and Bill Hoy, clinical professor of medical humanities and author of “Do Funerals Matter: The Purposes and Practices of Death Rituals in Global Perspective.” Q: Funerals and visitations are such a time of hugs, hand-holding, prayers, closeness — simply being there. How might travel restrictions, social distancing and concerns for personal health interfere — and how can family and friends be supportive? CANN: I think live-streaming of funerals is a great option and allows people to be present from a distance. Most companies also offer virtual guestbooks where one can leave a teddy bear or flowers, light candles, etc., online in honor of the person. Many cemeteries are also moving online so that each gravestone will have a corresponding virtual memorial, filled with the deceased person's playlist, videos, pictures and memories. Of course, as with all technology, the capability of funeral homes varies from business to business, but my guess is that from an industry perspective, we are going to see a jump in virtual and online offerings as the funeral industry tries to stay relevant and contemporaneous. Also, if presence is important, one can choose disposal options that allow for the return of the deceased into the home, such as being cremated into cremains, or made into a diamond that one wears, or a record that one plays. You can insert cremains into the vinyl and make a record, or a glass sculpture with the cremains mixed into the glass. So, you don't have to be separated from the dead. HOY: I agree that live-streaming may have to suffice, but our experience shows it is a poor second choice. From time immemorial, we have seen that physical presence is vital, and I think that is what is so alarming to me about some of the current discussion in our culture. I was taking care of AIDS patients in Los Angeles in the 1980s when we saw some of the same disenfranchisement of grief, requiring direct cremation of the body and in some cases, forbidding the gathering of people in funeral rituals. It did not turn out to be a psychosocially sound practice and is creating a high level of concern on the part of my clinical colleagues. Q: Have there been times in history when this has been an issue as well when it comes to contagious disease? Have people taken safeguards before? HOY: Two notable examples were the 1918-19 Influenza Epidemic — unfortunately misnamed Spanish Flu — and the 2014-15 Ebola crisis in West Africa. In both cases, high numbers of dead coupled with high levels of contagion caused health authorities to create quarantines and eliminate gatherings such as funerals. Recent research out of the Ebola epidemic indicates that at least in some cases, these measures were counterproductive in that “secret” burials took place and those who had money were able to bribe officials to look the other way. I think we want to be especially vigilant to make sure we are being economically and socially just in the policies we put in place. Fortunately, we do have media to help bridge those gaps now that were not available in those other events, so that will almost certainly help. I am going to stop far short, however, of suggesting that media even approaches a point of providing the same psycho-social-spiritual benefit that sharing a space, rubbing shoulders and sharing tears do. CANN: The most recent epidemic in the United States was the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s and 1990s. By October of 1995, there were over half a million cases of people with AIDS, and many people did not know how to treat or interact with those who were infected. And just this month, a second person was cured of HIV with a stem cell transplant. I have lots of faith in our scientists and that they will be able to create an effective vaccination or cure for COVID-19. Q: Besides finding new or different ways to express support and love to others, what about oneself? We hear about self-isolation – what about self-comfort and self-care in other ways? HOY: This is a great time for self-reflection. What I am doing for myself are the things I recommend to others. Besides being vigilant about what I eat and getting out in the fresh air, I am taking care of myself by limiting my exposure to media. I have not been a big user of social media anyway, but I recommend to folks to be very careful about that because the COVID-19 misinformation is rampant. Instead, I check the National Institutes of Health website once each day for scientific updates, and I have taken all the news update alerts off my phone. Instead, I am trying to give more time to talking with family and friends by phone and video conferencing, journaling and reading. Of course, like other professors, I am spending time talking with students and getting ready to take my classes online next week. In my personal Bible study time, I decided I would spend some time looking at Scripture passages that address fear and have particularly enjoyed hearing God’s perspective on this. CANN: I think one of the hardest things about death is that life goes on without the dead. The birds keep chirping, the flowers keep blooming, people keep being worried about the most mundane matters — and that's difficult when a part of our world has stopped. But this is also what is beautiful about death. It forces us to see life all around us — its fragility, its constancy and its beauty. So, for me, self-care in grief is talking about death, talking with others about the one we lost and living again — in honor of the person who died who doesn't get to be here living anymore. As we embrace life, I strongly recommend that people reach out to friends and family. Social distancing does not need to mean social isolation. I'm also going on regular walks and spending time outside. We need to stay healthy and in shape during this time. Some people are finding it fun to do group-gaming and discovering new ways to spend time with family and friends either virtually in games or via video. Catholic churches are offering drive-through Eucharist and confession, Protestant churches are live-streaming their services and youth groups, Islamic mosques are live-streaming prayers and Buddhist temples are live-streaming meditation sessions. ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 17,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.
Photos and videos of empty grocery store shelves where toilet paper, paper towels, hand sanitizer and more would typically be stocked have circulated after people responded to COVID-19 fears with panic buying, or bulk buying. Some stores are enforcing quantity limits on certain items and asking people to leave stock for the next person, explaining that their supply chain has not been disrupted. During a time of stress and uncertainty, how do we ease our fears and avoid a counter-productive and potentially selfish bulk-buying response? Baylor University’s Jim Roberts, Ph.D., The Ben H. Williams Professor of Marketing in the Hankamer School of Business, is an internationally recognized expert on consumer behavior and the effects of consumerism and technology on individual happiness. During a brief Q&A, he gave insight to how panic buying content on social media can actually reinforce fear and gave advice on reducing anxiety. Q: Do you see a connection here between consumerism and safety or perceived safety? A: Yes, we call it mortality salience. When we are reminded of our own mortality, we search out products that give us comfort. We naturally buy more when we are threatened. We often seek comfort in our spending particularly in times like these. Some products have practical value, but a shopping cart full of toilet paper is addressing some deeper existential fears as well. Q: There have been a lot of photos floating around online of empty shelves in grocery stores. Is social media affecting panic buying? A: The media benefits from creating hysteria — more people watch and listen when they are frightened. There is something called the availability bias that can explain why we are so fearful. We view things that we have been recently exposed to as more prevalent than they really are. Q: How can people navigate social media during this time in a healthy way? A: Step away from it. Cut back on media exposure and distract yourself by trying to ease others’ burdens. If you turn off your TV and avoid social media you will reduce your anxiety level. Take the emphasis off yourself and you will reap psychological benefits. ABOUT JIM ROBERTS, PH.D. Jim Roberts, Ph.D., The Ben H. Williams Professor of Marketing in Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business, is a nationally and internationally recognized expert on consumer behavior and has been quoted extensively in the media. He has appeared on CBS’ Early Show, ABC’s World News Tonight, ABC’s Good Morning America and NBC’s The Today Show. He has been quoted and/or featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, National Public Radio, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Glamour and U.S. News and World Report, among many other newspapers, magazines, websites and television outlets. ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 18,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. ABOUT HANKAMER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY At Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business, integrity stands shoulder-to-shoulder with analytic and strategic strengths. The School’s top-ranked programs combine rigorous classroom learning, hands-on experience in the real world, a solid foundation in Christian values and a global outlook. Making up approximately 25 percent of the University’s total enrollment, undergraduate students choose from 16 major areas of study. Graduate students choose from full-time, executive or online MBA or other specialized master’s programs, and Ph.D. programs in Information Systems, Entrepreneurship or Health Services Research. The Business School also has campuses located in Austin and Dallas, Texas. Visit www.baylor.edu/business and follow on Twitter at twitter.com/Baylor_Business.
Replacing in-person events in the wake of COVID-19
As the world deals with the COVID-19 outbreak and normal activities are curtailed with social distancing and self-isolation, businesses and marketers are having to adapt quickly. Last week, IDC Canada hosted a webinar around "Digital Transformation and the Evolving Tech Buyer's Journey: What Canadian Marketers Need to Know". The question that was top of mind - "In the wake of Covid-19, what are some of the alternative ways of generating leads when live events are not possible?" Our experts suggested four key points during the webinar: 1. Explore virtual platforms - The experience can’t fully replace in-person events but virtual platforms can help you engage with your prospects and customers. 2. Alternatives to in-person events - Webcasts and audio podcasts designed to educate buyers and bring in customer and 3rd party perspective help you stay top of mind. 3. Interactive content – Buyers are demanding interactive and visually appealing content. Interactive tools and microsites that have been wrapped with analytics provide marketers with the performance insights needed to optimize impact. 4. Cut through the noise - Targeted industry or role specific messages will have more impact in uncertain times. Watch now the webcast on-demand If you are interested in learning more about these techniques - then let us help. Julie Tiley is the Vice President, Custom Solutions for IDC Canada. She is an expert in the areas of developing and delivering programs designed around on specific business goals, especially in a rapidly changing environment like the one we are facing today. Julie is available to speak with media or anyone interested in knowing more. Simply click on either expert’s icon to arrange an interview or email askidc@idccanada.com.
Is it time to shelve the 2020 Summer Olympics? Let our expert explain what’s at stake
The Olympic flame finally touched down in Japan this week, but as opposed to the global fanfare and growing excitement about this summer’s Olympic games – there’s a lot of talk about cancelling or at the very least postponing the event until the COVID-19 global pandemic subsides. With virtually every sport across the planet on hiatus or cancelled for the season, the decision seems like an obvious one. But perhaps not? With countries around the world battling to contain the coronavirus pandemic, there are growing calls for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to either postpone or outright cancel this year's summer Olympics, which are scheduled to begin on July 24 in Tokyo. Here are some of the issues surrounding a possible postponement: Is it even possible for the Olympics to be postponed? The answer is yes, but it's complicated. Japan's Olympic Minister Seiko Hashimoto has said that Tokyo's contract with the IOC states that the Games must be held during 2020. That would give organizers leeway to at least push the starting date back. In the past, the IOC has been adamant that the Games would open July 24. The Paralympics are scheduled to start Aug. 25. "The IOC remains fully committed to the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, and with more than four months to go before the Games, there is no need for any drastic decisions at this stage; and any speculation at this moment would be counterproductive," the statement said. Postponing the Games would have ramifications on TV rights, sponsor contractors, transportation and managing the workforce needed for an event like the Olympics. March 20 - CBC There are billions of dollars at stake for the host country and for the International Olympic Committee. But with countries already pulling out or refusing to send athletes, what decision the IOC eventually makes will likely see a less than gold-standard showcase of the world’s elite competitors. If you are a journalist covering this topic – then let our experts help. Professor Andrew Wonders joined the faculty of the School of Business Administration at Cedarville University in 2013 following a 13-year career in the sport industry. He is an expert in the areas of major sporting events and the business of sports. If you are looking to arrange an interview with Professor Wonders – simply click on his icon to arrange a time.
What fate awaits Florida’s tourism industry?
As the ripples from the COVID-19 pandemic stretch across all of America – popular attractions like Disney are closed, airlines are restricting travel and borders are being shut. All of this could amount to economic freefall for a state like Florida that relies on the more than 126 million tourists that visit the state each year injecting more than $40 billion annually into the economy. The coronavirus is hitting the economy in Central Florida hard, with several counties missing out on millions due to conventions and events being canceled. Orange County officials said the county has lost more than $280 million due to conventions being canceled amid fears of the coronavirus, and it could lose even more. Several Central Florida cities and counties have declared states of emergency. President Donald Trump declared a national emergency. Channel 9 spoke with financial advisers on the impacts the coronavirus could have on Central Florida. “Because we are highly reliant on tourism and leisure, we could see a potential financial slowdown in Central Florida. The scope and magnitude will be dependent on how long it takes to peak and level out. We are already seeing the effects with the closure of theme parks, cruises, flights, professional sports,” said Dale Crossley, a financial adviser. March 13 – ABC News At the moment, it seems there is no end in sight and for the hotels, theme parks and countless other destinations and small business that rely on tourists to stay afloat, there’s concern about who will be left standing once life returns to normal, or at least a new normal. There are a lot of questions that remain: How long can the marquee destinations like Disney and Universal Resorts remain closed? Are there any substantial bailouts or government assistance to be expected? Once travel resumes, what will it take to assure visitors of their safety? And, can we expect incentives from industry or the government to lure people, and their wallets back to the Sunshine State and what will they look like? If you are a journalist looking to cover this angle of the COVID-19 pandemic – then let us help. Peter Ricci is a clinical associate professor and director of the Department of Marketing and Hospitality Management in FAU’s College of Business. He is a hospitality industry veteran with more than 20 years of managerial experience in segments including food service, lodging, incentive travel, and destination marketing. Peter is available to speak with media about this topic – simply click on his icon to arrange an interview.
Here’s practical advice for teaching online, from an expert at the IU Kelley School of Business
The Kelley Direct online MBA program at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business consistently is ranked No. 1 by U.S. News and other news organizations. Sarah Smith-Robbins, director of learning technologies at Kelley, can discuss the transition that many colleges and universities are having to make, from in-person to online instruction. She offers these tips: Don’t try to recreate your classroom: “Learning online is different, just as holding a virtual meeting is different from an in-person meeting. Both residential class meetings and virtual class meetings have their drawbacks and their benefits. Take advantage of those benefits. For example, in an online meeting, more than one student can ask a question at a time in the chat. They can even answer one another’s questions there without interrupting the instructor. It’s also far easier for students to get together as teams and collaborate when they’re all online. Encourage them to do so.” Let your hair down just a little: “Virtual class meetings allow you and your students to see one another in a different setting than in a classroom. Personalize the space that students see behind you when you’re on camera. Let them know a little bit about who you are that you wouldn’t typically be able to share. Login to live sessions a bit early to chat casually with students who are there. That informal communication matters.” Consider the wide range of student circumstances: “Some students may have gone home to a fast internet connection and a great computer. Others may have to park their car in a parking lot to access free WIFI on a borrowed laptop. In either circumstance, your students want to learn. Do what you can to meet them where they are. For example, if you’re posting a pre-recorded lecture to your course, record it in a few short videos rather than one long one. The file sizes will be smaller and students will still see the whole lecture. If you’re planning to host live class meetings, understand that not all students will have the bandwidth to attend or might lose their connection in the middle of class. Post a recording of the session afterwards so everyone can participate. If you can cut the recording into several small videos, even better.” Learn from other instructors: “It’s not often that faculty sit in on one another’s residential classes. In a typical semester, you may have little reason in to compare notes on teaching methods with other faculty. However, you now have a perfect reason to compare what you’re doing to ensure that your students continue to learn. Why not practice holding online meetings by meeting with fellow faculty to share ideas about converting your courses to online delivery? Make use of your department’s mailing list to ask questions and learn from one another. If you’ve taught online before, offer yourself as a resource to faculty in your department who haven’t.” Think of it as an adventure: “Though the situation that brought us to this point of teaching online at short notice is dire, we’re all in it together. No one expects your online course to be perfect. Consider it an adventure that you and your students are on together. They’ll forgive your mistakes and make a few of their own. Connecting with one another, even online with a few hiccups, will go a long way to ensuring that students still feel connected, considered, and cared for.” Smith-Robbins can be reached at 812-855-9310 (w), 317-985-7200 (m) or sabsmith@indiana.edu. She requests that people email her first to schedule an interview, due to her efforts assisting faculty.
Expert available to discuss how economic impact of COVID-19 may vary across the country
Retailers such as Macy’s, Nordstrom and Urban Outfitters have announced they will temporarily shutter stores and car maker Honda will close six U.S. plants for a week. Earlier, in-person service at restaurants and bars was ceased. R. Andrew Butters, assistant professor of business economics and public policy at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, cautions against making general assessments about COVID-19’s economic impact across the country. “Assessing the economic impacts of this pandemic -- and the range of policy responses enacted -- or being considered; however, might be harder to predict and have the potential to be even more uneven. For instance, take the most recent response of closing in-person dining at bars, and restaurants after the first confirmed death in Indiana was announced on Monday. Citing the of example restaurants, “According to the most recent economic census data, on the dimension of annual sales per capita coming from restaurants and other eating establishments, the state of Indiana is less dependent on this sector of the economy than other neighboring states Illinois and Ohio, that have enacted similar responses. On this particular dimension, one could view the economy of Indiana being somewhat insulated relative to its Midwest neighbors. “In sectors like airline travel and hotels, net bookings are down across the board -- and at unprecedented levels. How long travelers stay at home will have a lasting impact on the distribution of foregone revenues experienced at restaurants, bars, and hotels across the country. “An empty seat, or hotel room, contributes zero to GDP. This is especially true in a country like the US, as the demands for air travel and lodging vary across different parts of the country. Some areas of the country with peaks in demand over the spring months (e.g. Arizona and Florida) are likely to be especially vulnerable. Other areas with peaks in travel and recreational demand later in the year, (e.g., some areas of New York and Minnesota) might be less impacted, if the health concerns of travel are mitigated over the next couple of months. “There are many factors one can point to as contributors to a sharp rebound in economic activity, after the impact of the health concerns of the virus are subdued. These factors include the current personal savings and unemployment rates. As more varied -- and reflective -- economic and financial data comes in from areas affected by the global supply chain/consumption disruptions created by this virus (see, e.g., Brave-Butters-Kelley Business Cycle Indices and National Financial Conditions Index), it will be imperative that public policy makers work in concert with the most recent assessments of the depth and duration of this crisis to ensure the stabilization of local and national economies.” Butters can be reached at 812-855-5768 (o), 630-699-4868 and rabutter@indiana.edu.