With the unemployment rate at an alarming 11.1% as of July 2, 2020 (According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics) and over 16 million people out of jobs, the idea of being furloughed, laid off, or fired is a looming reality for many Americans. But in this case, misery does not like the company. Being faced with a possible layoff, all you can think about is how your own little world is collapsing around you.

Before we dive into how to handle the conversation, should it arise, there are some ways to protect yourself and minimize your chances of a layoff before even facing downsizing or company cutbacks.

Virtual negotiations have been on the rise since the advancement of technology in the workplace. But with COVID-19 forcing business and other operations to scramble for at-home solutions, online negotiations increased by the tenfold. Technology, with all of its conveniences, can also complicate things during a negotiation.

With all of its challenges, virtual negotiations also come with its advantages. The distance can create a greater chance of a win-win. If the other party is perceived to be far away (by several thousand feet), perspective changes to encompass the needs of the bigger picture. Here are some tips to improve your performance in your next virtual negotiation!

As many cities across the world begin to open up from lockdown orders due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is paramount to continue the CDC guideline of staying at least six feet apart in public places. Understanding and respecting the need for six feet of space is a new concept for everyone and in a time of quarantining and social distancing, the concepts of social etiquette and politeness like shaking hands and holding the door have been redefined. The most generous thing you can do now is to stay home or if you must go out, give everyone the necessary space to stay safe.

As we extend into week 12 of the COVID-19 pandemic and its flotsam and jetsam of social distancing and isolation, it is naturally becoming harder and harder to feel hopeful about the future.

The virus’ impact and wreckage can be seen and felt in a myriad of ways: from the horrific rising death tolls to the joblessness ravaging the country. We are feeling exhausted by the constant need for vigilance due to the invisible threat on surfaces and in the air, the added pressures of home-schooling, a never-ending loop of laundry, housecleaning, cooking, and the void of true face to face socialization.

Nine leading women share their tips on how we can best stay grounded and achieve well-being through this time of crisis.

Every relationship right now can feel pretty strained. Whether it’s someone you haven’t had face-to-face contact with in over a month or someone you find yourself face-to-face with 24-hour regularity, conflict is sure to arise. But how do you get through this quarantine with relationships intact?

The power of negotiation stretches beyond equal pay. All of your conversations may feel more difficult right now. From establishing key essentials for work, vying for uninterrupted time for your business with your spouse, to ongoing negotiations with your children about what they can and cannot do - everything may likely feel like a negotiation and it would be only normal to feel depleted energetically.

In the face of this public health crisis, many people have been laid off, furloughed, or have seen their business collapse, facing down potentially months of bills with no income. Recent statistics show that 22 million Americans are now unemployed. Although many states are banning late fees, penalties, or other charges for tenants for late payment of rent, this does not absolve you from having to pay rent entirely. Turning to your landlord to negotiate rent might be your best option. Read on for how to negotiate rent for yourself and some of the protections that may be available to you.

After a few weeks of forced isolation, and with anxiety running high, it is only natural to be experiencing conflict with your family, partner, and/or children.  This conflict is a normal byproduct of our coping with extreme stress, with limited ability to take space, and an extreme lack of support. That being said, there are things we can do, even now, to improve communication, and get your needs met in a relationship.   The following tips can help you navigate the travails of intimate relationships, in times of self-imposed isolation –– or any time!

We are faced with a challenging and uncertain time where many of us are juggling between job responsibilities and caring for loved ones. As we find our daily lives transformed, it is easy to shirk long-term goals to care for the sudden needs amidst the current crisis. Despite the ongoing situation, we should look for opportunities and focus on the positive. For those fortunate enough to spend the coming weeks social-distancing to avoid further spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), we’ve put together a list of books you can wisely incorporate into your free time to try and stay motivated and productive.

Though it feels like many industries have come to a crashing halt, this time of crisis does not imply immunity from performance management. Companies are watching how their employees are reacting, pivoting, and adapting. The work you create now will be more meaningful than before because of how critical it is. So how can you utilize this overwhelming situation for the best potential outcome? Focus on what is in your control.

Here are three principle ways to organize yourself around the present situation to optimize your performance and maintain healthy work policies.