![During a global crisis with so much at stake, the importance of crisis communications has never been more clear. (Shutterstock photo)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/shutterstock_649274362.jpg?1587757760)
Managing a Crisis
Companies should be proactive when it comes to managing their stories
People are paying close attention to social media and mainstream media, because of interest in the pandemic and because so many are at home. That is why it is vital to immediately assess the threat and pursue means to counter it by confirming facts and sharing your story.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0420_dept_marketing_shutterstock.png?1585859874)
Systems for Success
How to build your marketing approach without making it formulaic
Whether your business relies on tried-and-true methods like billboards, commercials, sponsorships, local print advertising and mailers, or digital ones like social media channels, email marketing, Facebook promotions and Google ads, your marketing needs a system.
![If an employee is engaged to wait, their time is not their own — even if they are standing around doing nothing. (Shutterstock illustration)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0420_dept_evilhr_shutterstock.png?1585771704)
Dilemma of the Month: Workers Must Get Paid for Scheduled Time
If employees are scheduled to begin working at 6 a.m., but no one from management shows up until 7 a.m. to unlock the doors, can the workers be penalized and docked an hour of pay?
![George Usi founded Rancho Cordova-based Omnistruct in 2019, selling cybersecurity compliance programs to businesses. (Photo by Ryan Angel Meza)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0420_dept_discourse_ryanangelmeza_lead.jpg?1585682651)
Protecting Our Privacy
Cybersecurity advocate George Usi on how businesses can prepare for an eventual compromise
George Usi founded Rancho Cordova-based Omnistruct in 2019, selling cybersecurity compliance programs to businesses. We spoke with Usi about his mission to educate businesses so they can manage their risk when a cybersecurity breach occurs.
![The coronavirus is challenging every leader in every sector of the world. (Photo: Shutterstock)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0320_blog_leadership_shutterstock.jpg?1585163724)
The Coronavirus Challenge
The pandemic is exposing cracks in our systems, but it’s also an opportunity to strengthen systems
Before the outbreak and spread of the new coronavirus, disruptive technologies, global competition and instant 24/7 connectivity made forecasting difficult. Today, the sheer magnitude and instability triggered by COVID-19 has made the road ahead far less clear. Or has it?
![There are several job protection and wage replacement programs in place to help part-time and full-time employees, both at the federal and state levels. (Shutterstock photo)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0320_blog_employmentlaw_shutterstock_lead.jpg?1585082075)
Help for Displaced Workers
What employers and employees need to know about job protection and wage replacement during the COVID-19 pandemic
In the COVID-19 pandemic, business as usual has been upended and employers and employees are facing uncharted territory. Comstock’s spoke with Roseville-based employment law attorney Drew Lewis about what job protection and wage replacement programs are available in the Capital Region.
![It can be legally problematic if your employee feels discriminated against because coworkers use “he” or “she” rather than “they.” (Illustration by Marissa Lewis; elements from Shutterstock)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0320_dept_evilhr_marissalewis.png?1582572398)
Dilemma of the Month: How to Best Handle Gender-Neutral Pronouns
I have an employee who would like to be referred to with gender-neutral pronouns. What is our obligation to this employee, and do we face possible legal repercussions?
![Many federal laws stipulate a minimum numbers of employees before you have to follow them. (Shutterstock illustration)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0220_dept_evilhr_shutterstock.png?1580940652)
Dilemma of the Month: Why Onboarding Is Critical for New Hires
I can’t afford a full-time HR person, but I need help onboarding new hires. What can I do?
![(Shutterstock photo)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0220_feat_careers_shutterstock.png?1580178953)
Life After a Layoff
Losing a job can sting, but it can lead to new opportunities
Losing a job can be one of the most traumatic events a person can go through in their lifetime. It ranks among the top five, right up there with the death of a loved one, divorce, catastrophic illness and moving.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0120_dept_startup_terenceduffy.jpg?1579220393)
Startup of the Month: Humaxa
A new model for employee-satisfaction surveys
Humaxa uses artificial intelligence and natural language processing to help employers boost productivity and satisfaction among their workforce.