Last week, Publicis Groupe updated its remote work policy in response to the coronavirus pandemic, asking employees to work from home “aside from key meetings.”
Publicis Groupe CEO Arthur Sadoun addressed the holding company in a video released yesterday entitled “Taking Care Together.” The video follows up on last week’s announcement in the wake of coronavirus developments around the world.
“As you know, our first priority, since the beginning of the crisis, has been the health and wellness of all of you,” Sadoun claims, adding that the holding company has “tried to put everything in place” to reduce risk for its employees and “act without overreacting.”
Sadoun emphasizes that Publicis Groupe continues “to recommend that those of you in particularly affected areas, or with existing health concerns, work from home.”
A Publicis Groupe representative explained that the holding company implemented this policy across regions determined to be highly impacted by coronavirus, including the U.S. and Canada, and that employees in “most markets” are now working from home.
In the video, Sadoun stresses that, for those who “want or need” to use Publicis Groupe’s offices, “most of them are open” and taking “extra daily hygiene procedures.” It’s unclear how many offices are closed. Publicis Groupe U.K. closed its Turnmill London office last week after an employee tested positive for COVID-19.
Sadoun also announces that Publicis Groupe travel restrictions have been further stepped up, asking employees to use “videoconferencing in every form as much as you can.”
A Publicis Groupe representative said this is in line with the holding company’s previous global travel restrictions, emphasizing that it will now be even more difficult to obtain approval for travel.
“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,” Sadoun says. He promises that Publicis Groupe is working hard with its agencies’ management teams to protect both its operations and its people from the negative impact of the coronavirus pandemic, adding: “This isn’t the first time the Groupe is facing an economic crisis.”
He closes by reemphasizing that the health of Publicis Groupe employees and their families is of primary importance.