Communications is your most important asset right now, followed by building a connected and resilient team that can not only survive but thrive during the COVID-19 pandemic. In times of crisis the biggest thing that people want is assurance – that everything will be okay. The problem is not all Kenyan companies are effectively communicating with their staff.
In the United States, data from Forrester shows that employees trust their employers as a source of information about COVID-19 and the coronavirus more than they trust governments and social
Over the next few months, it is important that your businesses be visible and communicate clearly to your staff. Ensure that you are not bombarding your staff with too much information. Information overload can result in employees ignoring key and critical information that would otherwise save lives. We have broken down 5 areas that you should be covering in your communication strategy.
1. Business and Key Projects Position
An important factor of communication during COVID-19 is the businesses financal position. It is important to communicate whether there is any business taking place and what the core and key functions are. There are functions within the business that are currently functioning at 110% while others are at zero. Graciously explain the need for everybody to support the key functions and appreciate the people in those roles. It is also important to mention to the staff that those not in key roles are playing an important role in business continuity by following government and health safety regulations.
If there are projects that need to be put on hold communicate using dates on how long the program will be put on hold for and communicate solutions to any problems that might arise as a result of the program being suspended.
2. Health and Safety
Communicate government and Ministry of health positions. On the 6th of April the president of Kenya gave a statement that caused confusion on social media. Companies need to be very careful that they are not adding to the confusion but giving clarity on health issues. We have put together a variety of resources from credible health and government sources to help you craft your communication.
3. Emergency Response Team
Create an emergency response team (ERT) to help any staff that might need help in the event that employees may not be able to reach out to government or health agencies. Because you will need quick response ensure that you have members on this team that can organize fast and coordinated action. Your ERT should communicate the following:
- Health and Safety standards within the workplace. If you would like to build a set of tried and true protocols and safety guidelines read through Safe Work Playbook 2nd Edition and Safe Work Supplement developed by the Lear Corporation.
- Health institutions on your panel that provide usual health services such as maternity or regular treatments
- Insurance coverage of COVID-19
- Organization Help-Line numbers and contacts if someone contracts COVID-19, or needs medical assistance in case of any other emergencies
- Company regulations on movement and following government regulations. Football clubs have had to take disciplinary action on players caught breaking quarantine regulation in the United Kingdom.
The Emergency Response Team should liaise with your insurance provider on providing ambulance or personnel if any emergencies arise.
4. Messages of Hope
Communication during COVID-19 has to go beyond posting and sharing inspirational posts on company email threads or WhatsApp groups. As an internal communications and HR team, you need to provide clear channels or resources that can reenergize, inspire and help them cope. Look for content from some of the areas below:
- Mental Health Resources
- Leading in times of Change
- Team Building Ideas and Tools
- Success stories during COVID-19
5. Toolkit
Create your own toolkit within your organization and feel free to link back to resources that we have available on our own toolkit. We will be regularly updating it with content in the form of videos, and blog articles to help your leadership, HR, communication teams. Content will be updated every two days. If you would like help in developing these resources, look through these top 5 free COVID-19 Resources available for you. We will also be putting out video, poster and slide content within the week on the internal communication section of the COVID-19 Toolkit.
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