6 Guidelines For Internal Communication With Employees During The Pandemic

It is already known that the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that the COVID-19 outbreak is a global pandemic. Therefore, it is important for companies to reinforce the effectiveness of internal communication with employees during these times of crisis in which the emotional factor can affect work.

A good communication strategy with employees plays a key role in supporting the daily needs of workers. In fact, their #1 expectation is that organizations communicate effectively with them. However, according to an Alight study, only 42% of employees say their company does a good job of communicating overall.

6 Guidelines For Internal Communication With Employees During The Pandemic

1) Be Open And Honest

Only 46% of workers think that the communication they receive is open and honest. Alight’s study shows that, even under normal circumstances, employees feel poorly informed by companies. Now more than ever it is essential that organizations are open and honest in their communications. Transparency is key in a crisis and uncertain situation like the one we are experiencing. Therefore, good internal communication that explains to employees what measures the company has taken, how it has prepared and how they are addressing this situation, will help reassure the team.

2) Provide Frequent Updates

On the other hand, 61% of workers say they receive regular updates on what is happening in their organization.

With the 24-hour news cycle and digital overload, employees are inundated with constant and possibly conflicting information. The voice of the organization must be included in that narrative, so it is important to be aware of the latest news and keep employees informed of any changes or impacts on the company, its work or its benefits. Anticipating communications and communicating frequently will reduce misinformation and ensure employees don’t feel lost.

3) Know Where The Workers Are

According to the same study, email remains the preferred regular communication channel for 33% of workers, and another 24% say they prefer email for urgent or more specific issues.

Preparing people for a potential crisis can be a challenge, but communicating best practices and information should not be. To maximize impact, companies must communicate with workers on their preferred channel (mobile, email, etc.). In this sense, adopting an omnichannel approach will ensure that employees are seeing communications in real time, regardless of their current location or the device they use (since, today, teleworking has been imposed to continue business in those organizations where it is possible).

4) Empower The Participation Of Managers

Only 50% of business leaders confirm that they have the tools and resources necessary to carry on conversations with their employees.

During a crisis, it can be difficult to facilitate real, transparent and supportive conversations with each team member. Organizations can facilitate this by equipping managers at all levels and workers with the necessary tools. Prepared managers can better manage conversations and make employees feel supported and listened to throughout the crisis process.

5) Recognize The Special Circumstances Of People

55% of employees indicate that caring for their children is a high or moderate priority, and 36% indicate that caring for someone with disabilities is a priority.

When it comes to communication, a one size fits all approach is not enough. The communication needs of each worker must be considered. Also keep in mind that people are more than just employees. Parents and caregivers, for example, may need additional guidance on leisure time and wellness resources, and additional communications can be very helpful in ensuring that they feel supported by their company.

6) Show Understanding And Empathy

55% of workers think they are entrusted with the valuable and relevant information they need or want.

Misunderstandings or delays in project delivery can increase during a crisis, but staying calm and a human element in communications will help organizations in the long term. The goal of crisis communications is to calm nerves, share valuable and relevant information, and provide resources that enable employees to make informed decisions about their health and safety.

As COVID-19 continues to expand, organizations must monitor and adjust their plans to keep pace with their needs and those of their employees.