Layoffs will prompt questions
This article appeared in Financial Times on 27 September 2008
I run a construction company that has been held up a as a model employer in the local community. As a result of the credit crunch, I find myself having to conduct a staff consultation and redundancies will be inevitable. Staff members are naturally concerned and the local press is starting to make inquiries. How do I handle the staff and press?
The first thing to stress is that you are not alone as many companies are reviewing their businesses in the current market. Companies can become "insular" when faced with having to communicate a difficult issue. Placing your situation in the wider context of the industry's difficulties is therefore an important first step in helping you communicate, both internally and externally.
Devise and implement an internal communications plan to keep staff abreast of developments as the consultation proceeds. This should include a Question and Answer document that addresses potential questions.
Send out a memo informing staff of the consultation, why it is required, and what will be concluded as a result. Follow this up with face-to-face briefings.
With regards to press inquiries, have a brief statement prepared - to be sent out on a reactive basis only - which sets out why your company is taking prudent measures in tough conditions in order to protect the long-term interests of clients and staff. You will do much to preserve your good name by communicating this sensitive issue in an open and transparent way.
Gus Sellitto is a director of Byfield Consultancy, which specialises in issues and reputation management.
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