Tuesday 22 March 2022

Companies must keep talking in uncertain times

 We’ve had a  rough couple of years, haven’t we? So many people have been impacted in so many  ways, with the boundaries between work and home lives blurring more than ever before. And as the shocks keep coming, employers might start thinking “what can we say to our people that we haven’t said before?”.

The answer, of course, is everything. Keep communicating regarding the company’s purpose, their work, their well-being and the support available. Acknowledge the impact of world events and how employees are feeling. Show genuine empathy and share information that is of practical help. Reassure people over the purpose and progress of the company they work for.

There is a temptation for any company to clam up in uncertain times, to feel they can’t give any more direction to colleagues. But silence leads to speculation and all the dangers this brings with it. People worry about the company’s commitment, its strength and their own job security.

So companies must keep talking. Show that you are doing all you can to connect with and support employees, even in challenging circumstances. Give employees the chance to share and seek support as well, so they know they’re not alone.

Failing to communicate about the present can severely undermine confidence in the future. This is the time to redouble your efforts, not withdraw from them.