Staying Connected With Employees Amid a Crisis

Organizations and their employees have been buffeted with crisis after crisis over the last three years. First, the global pandemic, next the war in Ukraine, then surging inflation and shrinking household balance sheets, now the potential for recession and economic downturns. 

Nonetheless, it is paramount that executives keep their fingers on the pulse of their employees and maintain connections that are critical to getting them and their businesses through yet another existential challenge. During a crisis, clear communication between leaders and employees is even more important as miscommunications can have costly ramifications. 

The Conference Board recommends the following 10 actions to help leaders communicate more effectively through whatever comes next: 

1. Be transparent and accountable.
2. Communicate with empathy and create a sense of togetherness
3. Demonstrate a commitment to employee well-being
4. Maintain a high level of situational awareness around the ramifications of the unfolding crisis
5. Be available and maintain regular communications during the crisis
6. Recognize the role HR plays in crisis communication
7. Create two-way communication channels
8. Create channels for employees to share their experiences with each other
9. Recognize the long-term effects of dealing with a crisis
10. Look ahead 

For more insights on how to deploy these strategies under adverse economic circumstances, see the following article written February 28, 2022, Human Capital Matters: Communicating with Employees During Times of Crisis, containing actions that are still relevant today.