For internal communication practitioners around the globe, teams are experienced in supporting businesses and colleagues through periods of drastic change; whether it be new systems, processes, ways of working, restructures or new market regulations and challenges – you can bet somewhere within the team, the chances are that somebody has been there and has earnt the badge…
A few weeks ago, the unknown of C-19 began to unfold, impacting everybody, and is certain to change the way in which we work moving forward. With businesses operating remotely whether prepared or not, how are internal communication functions driving and maintaining employee engagement across teams?
This prompted Reece Turner-Jones from tml Partners’ Corporate Affairs practice to reach out to his network and ask the following:
“What have you done to drive and retain employee engagement across teams during this unsettling period of COVID-19?”
Here are the findings from conversations with some leading internal communications consultants and practitioners who include Louise Hraur De Sina, Global Strategic Communications & Marketing Executive; Luke Murdoch, Internal Communications Consultant at KPMG and Claire Benning, Internal Communications Consultant at Boeing.
1 – Utilising Channels, Keeping Employees Connected
In times of extreme uncertainty for many people, along with all of the other pressures and demands of C-19, it is important to collaboratively interact across and within teams to stay connected and engaged, despite the lack of face to face communication, which has been voted previously to be the most effective form.
“Start early and communicate frequently. Mitigate fear and uncertainty, keep reassuring, provide regular updates, utilising all of the available channels. Listen to what your employees at all levels are saying and give them what they want to know. Show them how the organization is protecting employees, and serving clients and their needs. Most importantly, be honest and candid; provide facts and solid steps that you’re taking to revitalize confidence and maintain trust in leadership and the organization.” Louise Hraur De Sina, Global Strategic Communications & Marketing Executive
2 – Importance of Leadership Messaging
During periods of crisis and uncertainty, it is important that business leaders remain visible to employees and are leading from the top to provide critical updates and messaging, providing reassurance and answers to employees so that the business is aligned, and people remain engaged.
“Thankfully we were very much set up and prepared for remote working as a business, but we have been facilitating lots of leadership communication to drive clear, strong, cohesive messages to drive and retain employee engagement across the business which is particularly important in current times.” Luke Murdoch, KPMG
3 – Togetherness and positivity go a long way!
From Brexit to COVID-19 – it almost feels as if people will struggle for topics of conversation once all of this has passed.
Growing statistics, increased demands, required funding and heightened uncertainty – it’s all very doom & gloom for everybody during this period and whilst important not to forget the seriousness and effects of the current climate, it is just as important to continue to share positive success stories and try to retain high levels of morale during these difficult times.
Claire Benning, Internal Communications Consultant of Boeing UK had highlighted various activities which she had been doing with her team to form a sense of togetherness, and simply have fun – being a BBC Radio 4 fan for many years, Claire had decided to implement a round-robin desert island disc activity where the team would choose eight records that they would take with them to a desert island, and why… A really nice way for teams to build relationships with colleagues virtually… all whilst having some fun!
“Make employee’s feel connected. Corona is all very doom & gloom and employee’s want to know what’s happening within the business – positive messaging, success stories; things that are going to make them feel more positive and reassured, and in turn more engaged.” Claire Benning, Boeing UK
To conclude, it is important to remain aware that the current situation of remote working isn’t going away anytime soon, and the impact that it has on people as humans. Let’s continue to collaboratively communicate across our business, ensuring daily contact with colleagues; make people feel connected during a period where everybody feels so disconnected and above all, try to instil some fun and keep positive – it’s contagious!
Reece Turner-Jones is a member of tml Partners’ Corporate Affairs practice. He specialises in the recruitment of internal communication, employee engagement, change & transformation communications professionals, and partners with leading organisations to support interim and permanent placements at all levels.
How is COVID-19 affecting your teams and engagement across the business?
It would be great to hear from you and how your team has adapted to life amidst COVID-19, also if you wish to learn more about how tml Partners can support the growth of your communications function or any upcoming projects regarding C-19, please get in touch on Reece.Turner-Jones@tmlpartners.com / +44 (0) 208 1384 149 to discuss.
