The Importance of Employee Communication Planning into our Next Normal
04.27.2021
By Claire Carroll, Associate Strategist & Campaign Manager, InVision Communications
The Importance of Employee Communication Planning into our Next Normal
What we’ve learned through the pandemic is that more communication and connectedness are required, not less. As we start to think about what’s next, it’s important to recognize that employees will need support beyond logistical and tactical updates. At InVision, we recommend our clients build out an employee engagement plan that focuses on three key areas: compassion, motivation, and connection.
Compassion
The health and safety of employees remain a top priority for businesses, while the health and safety of loved ones remain a top priority for employees. We recommend using two-way communication efforts (e.g., surveys, phone interviews, and social listening) to understand the landscape of employee concern. Understand your workforce and use communication to address these newfound trepidations with a compassionate tone. While the effects of the coronavirus outbreak will eventually subside, there will be a lasting impact on corporate culture. According to Forbes Magazine, 96% of employees believe showing empathy is an important way to drive employee retention, employers must listen, and use compassion to respond.
Motivation
For most employees, the pandemic shifted their way of working and routine altogether. The office manager has worked remotely, the bi-coastal employee has become stagnant, and the remote worker has managed a full household. No matter the case, it’s important for businesses to actively provide ‘bite-sized’ content that complements different ways of working to keep employees motivated. A few things to keep in mind:
Keep it short – With short videos or podcasts, you can capture key messages from employees and leadership alike. Be sure to include a form of measurement to track employee engagements/clicks/downloads.
Keep it up to date – In some cases, our client’s office culture and the real-time communication that surrounds an office space have been halted. Define a single hosting platform to post the most up-to-date information and update it frequently.
Keep it business-centric – Re-share immediate, short-term and long-term business priorities. Use a dashboard to provide real-time updates on how employees are tracking these goals.
Connection
Technology has increased our ability to connect, however, just because the platforms were introduced, doesn’t mean employees have been leveraging them to boost engagement. Consider implementing a virtual networking program, pairing small groups of remote colleagues together, and encouraging them to share and learn from one another on a daily basis. Build bridges between departments, break down pre-existing silos, and connect employees with similar interests.
In addition to facilitating a virtual networking ecosystem, be sure to tie communication efforts to your corporate culture. Would you describe your company as innovative, flexible, and casual or driven, motivating, and nimble? Assess your corporate culture and use a reflective tone in your communication messages and mediums. Doing so will provide employees both a sense of familiarity and unity during this time.
As we start to transition out of the pandemic, these best practices will remain relevant in the upheaval many employees and employers are experiencing. Think beyond logistics and use compassion and connectedness to keep your workforce motivated and engaged.
We’ve created a communications matrix and roadmap framework to help clients navigate through this process. For further information on how we can help deliver an employee engagement plan for your company, please email us at info@iv.com.