9 major companies that have shown compassionate leadership in their response to the coronavirus pandemic

Samantha Lee/Business Insider

• Many American companies have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and have laid off or furloughed employees to the tune of 33 million, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Yet, others have been able to not only weather the storm, but innovate, donate, or aid in the response to the pandemic.
• Business Insider combed through LinkedIn's report of 20 businesses helping society during the pandemic and picked out nine major companies going truly above and beyond.
• This post is part of Business Insider's ongoing series on Better Capitalism.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The coronavirus pandemic has hit American companies hard.

In the past seven weeks alone, more than 33 million people have filed jobless claims as companies are forced to to furlough or lay off employees. But amid the grim unemployment figures, some companies have been able to step up and add value, providing free or discounted services, expanding their benefits, helping the US government in its response, or donating to those in need.

LinkedIn compiled a list of 20 US businesses making a positive impact during the coronavirus pandemic. Business Insider combed through the list and highlighted several large employers that are going above and beyond to help out during the pandemic.