Microsoft Virus Integrity Grade = A
Microsoft Virus Integrity Grade: A
I grade on a curve...from those who have a lot, a lot is expected. Even by that higher standard, though, Microsoft is delivering as a first mover in so many important areas. Pre-virus, their pledge to be carbon negative by 2030 set the standard for everyone. They were among the first to close stores and offices, and announce that they would continue to pay their hourly employees the same pay even with office closures, a move many other companies quickly copied. They were the first to recognize the special burden the crisis was placing on parents, and have granted employees 12 weeks of special parental leave to deal with school and childcare issues created by the pandemic. They expanded product offerings to help everyone work from home (free Microsoft Office E1 for 6 months, worth about $50 is just one of them), and doubled down on security updates (pay attention Zoom) . All while using its supply chain to source PPE, and its technology to empower health officials around the world (check out the John Hopkins University global COVID-19 confirmed case tracker). And helping nonprofits, delivering food and hand sanitizer to those in need. This is a company that has doubled down in recent years to build its brand around integrity, and I'm impressed.