Publicis Groupe chairman and chief executive Arthur Sadoun has addressed Publicis’ 13,000 worldwide staff in a video designed to address theirs and clients’ concerns during the coronavirus crisis.
The four-minute-long video has the casually dressed Sadoun address staff concerns around the coronavirus and offer advice on how to better deal with clients in this self-isolating, work-from-home times.
He said that while Publicis strongly recommended that staff in highly affected areas, or with existing health concerns, worked from home, he added that Publicis offices would remain open for staff who needed to access them.
“I would like to thank you all for your time, patience and solidarity,” Sadoun said. “Of course, we are far from alone in facing this difficult situation.
“In the past week since COVID-19 was announced as a pandemic, the global stock market has plunged. Now, more than ever, we need to stay close to our clients and their business, even if we can’t be with them in person.
“I know the incredible efforts you are already making to accompany them in this challenging time. As we all navigate this unprecedented situation together, and actually discover new ways of working, our role is to help them monitor events, to take the right strategy decisions, maximise their investment for short-term goals and prepare for a pivot, once the crisis is over.
“No-one can say where it will end – but rest assured that at Publicis we have the solid foundations and agile structure to adapt to the challenges we are facing together,” he said.
Sadoun stressed that the welfare of Publicis’ staff was the absolute priority and revealed the agency had established a 24/7 hotline to take staff queries and questions.
“Our dedicated team will continue to respond online, real-time, 24/7, to help you keep informed,” he said. “There is no big or small question – anything we can help to let you know, please come to us.”
