Governments of different countries around the world are taking necessary precautions to curb the spread of Coronavirus. This means that countries worldwide are ordering malls, businesses and other places to shut down so that the virus’ propagation slows down. However, these necessary steps are bound to impact everyone’s daily life, businesses and other areas of life.
The social networking giant Facebook took note and announced some new initiatives. These new plans are aimed at helping small local businesses who might struggle financially after being closed down. Additionally, the company is matching $20 million in donations to support COVID-19 relief efforts and if a new report is to be believed, its employees could be receiving a $1,000 bonus to work from home, or remotely, during the coronavirus outbreak.
Facebook announces $100 million grant for small businesses
The biggest announcement from Facebook currently entails doling out $100M in cash grants and ad credits to small businesses impacted by coronavirus. The company’s COO Sheryl Sandberg posted an update on Facebook announcing the company’s investment of $100 million to help 30,000 small businesses in over 30 countries where it operates. Facebook is yet to update its dedicated webpage that details which businesses will be eligible to receive a grant but it mentions that the program can help a business with its rent costs, operational costs and more.
Facebook raising $20 million in donations to support COVID-19 relief efforts
A few days ago, Mark Zuckerberg announced that Facebook is working with the United Nations Foundation and the World Health Organisation to start a COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. The social media company will be matching up to $10 million in donations, and the entire fund will directly support the work to prevent, detect and respond to coronavirus outbreak worldwide. Facebook will also match $10 million for the CDC Foundation for its fundraiser that is aimed at mitigating the outbreak in the US.
Facebook reportedly offering $1000 bonus to its employees
When you work for one of the biggest tech companies around, there will be some notable perks along the way. Facebook is reportedly giving its employees a $1,000 bonus so that they can easily settle into working remotely during the coronavirus outbreak. As per a report by The Information, this news was circulated in an internal memo sent by the CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
As per other reports, Facebook contractors and subcontractors are not eligible for the bonus but most of the company’s contractors such as content moderators are apparently being transitioned to full-time employees. Reports suggest that Facebook is giving the bonus to its contracted workers so that they can work from home during the pandemic. Facebook employees are also being given an “exceeds” rating for their first six-month review of 2020, which means more bonuses could be in tow.
Image credits: Facebook
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