As corporate human resource departments navigate the slowing economy and adjust to the changing environment, it seems like an easy expense to consider minimizing would be internal employee communication tools.

But, savvy companies know that making the effort to communicate their core, strategic messages while emphasizing the benefits of working for the company in good times as well as in challenging times is a worthwhile investment. The power of continuing to present the organization’s well-crafted message, corporate mission and strategy builds employee confidence, morale and loyalty and can minimize employee turnover.
On the flip side, failing to communicate will leave employees with questions, doubts, and uncertainty — undermining employee stability, confidence, efficiency, work product and the foundations of the company.
The advantage of ongoing messaging during lean times raises visibility and instills credibility, trust and reliability in the minds of employees — which ultimately translates into a stronger, more cohesive organization when emerging from the rough waters.
Elise Thorpe, Vice President at Lovitt & Touché, Inc. adds, “Many organizations are in budget season and see organizational communications as an easy expense to cut. However, this is not necessarily the best time to do that. This is a time where there needs to be strong communications with employees so as not to lose the pulse of the organization and understand what is going on in their business and industry.
In addition, as companies are downsizing their human capital, it is imperative that they keep their best, most skilled workforce. Communications are key to keeping those that remain with the organization by encouraging them and recognizing them as a vital part of the organization as it pushes through these tough economic times. It is essential for sustaining morale for the new, more efficient company.
Communications can also be key if a company is forced to make significant benefit changes. As employee benefit packages are a huge drain on profit margins, more companies are looking to cut down their package offerings. A good communication campaign explaining the impact of these changes on company financials and perhaps offsetting other cuts such as layoffs, wages, bonuses, etc. can help to buffer the impact. People need to be aware of what’s going on within the organization so as to eliminate rumors and reduce fear. A good communication campaign is the best way to do this, especially in tough economic times.”
Cost-effective communication solution tools such as special edition newsletters distributed in hard-copy and online, office/facility key-message wall posters and implementation of a targeted-message Micro site with a “community response” or blog feature invites participation and is an effective way to keep employees informed and engaged on an on-going basis.

Eileen Burick can be reached at eileen@burick.com and Elise Thorpe can be reached at ethorpe@lovitt-touche.com.