Internal Communications Attracts Increased Attention

by lisa ~ July 9, 2009

July 9, 2009 - Companies are renewing their interest in internal communications - the discipline responsible for connecting with and disseminating information to employees instead of the media - due to poor morale.

A new report by The Conference Board focuses on “survivor syndrome.” One of its researchers, quoted in Hispanic Business, recommended “that management teams take a holistic approach to employee engagement during tough times.” To help employees cope with their emotional responses to layoffs, the study “suggests leveraging existing people strategies, including internal communications such as blogs, staff meetings and brown bag lunches.”

This is not a uniquely American response. A recent study of U.K.-based chief financial officers found that three-quarters of them are spending more time on internal communications, according to an article by Management Today, a publication for executives.

While explaining layoffs and disappointing quarterly results for external audiences can be accomplished with a certain amount of spin, it’s much more difficult to do with internal audiences. As with all crises, it’s important to tell the truth but there’s also an obligation to strike the appropriate tone. Seeming dismissive, disrespectful, or disconnected from reality will lead to increased internal frustration.

To read the article “Survivor Syndrome: While Fortunate, Remaining Employees Have Their Own Post-Layoff Challenges,” click here: http://tinyurl.com/ksmauw.

Lisa Tibbitts is a corporate communications professional with an MBA in marketing. Follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/FinancialPR

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