The need for complete and effective employee communication has never been more critical – or more difficult to navigate. Many companies continue to see a portion of employees working remotely or traveling, while others are restricting the number of people in the workspace to meet health and safety regulations.
Considering all this, those in human resources have had to address and overcome many unexpected challenges as the COVID-19 pandemic has progressed. To accommodate these long-term changes, they need a scalable solution that is equipped to help them meet their evolving needs.
What capabilities does your department need to optimize and streamline employee communication in the post-coronavirus workplace? Complete your toolkit with these three essentials.
#1 Flexible, scalable and targeted communication
Help maintain employee engagement and relationships
According to several surveys, many companies plan on switching to a hybrid work model once workplaces being to reopen. With employees only in the office a few days a week, HR departments will need to adapt so they can continue building employee relationships. Additionally, they need a way to send the right message to the right person at the right time.
Fortunately, there are several communication capabilities that can help HR professionals engage with employees regardless of where they are located. Having the ability to segment recipients by department, job role or any other factor, enables HR to send targeted messages to only the people who need to receive them. Also, it’s important to be able to reach people based on where they’re located, so remote employees aren’t unnecessarily alerted about an emergency in the workplace, for instance.
The ability to send polls or surveys to employees can be equally beneficial when it comes to maintaining relationships. For example, you can help your team gauge sentiment and gain insight for important decisions, like when people feel comfortable returning to the workplace.
Some employee communication solutions even provide the ability to track engagement around corporate or cultural initiatives. With this knowledge, you will be able to evaluate and improve performance, learning even more about what employees want, and what makes them act.
#2 Accessible information and resources
Employees are always in the know regardless of where they’re located
The benefits and resources your company offers employees can be just as important as the relationships you build with them. Whether they are working remotely or on-site, staff members must be able to access important documents, including company policies, an employee handbook or contact directory.
This information can always be on-hand if organizations offer digitally accessible resources for employees. With a solution like a personal safety app, they will always have 24/7 access to key information. Additionally, they will never be without guidance when they can easily look up company policies or answers to basic questions.
#3 Anonymous tip line
Proactively address employee concerns before they become a problem
The costs of not addressing employee concerns are greater than ever before. According to legal experts, companies nationwide are facing a tidal wave of employee lawsuits surrounding safety and the coronavirus.
When addressing needs and complaints, you do not want your organization to become a cautionary tale of too little too late. Employees need somewhere to confidentially report their concerns before they grow into much larger issues. Not only does this empower employees to be proactive, but it also helps the company reduce its risk of liability.
But with the workforce scattered, you need a digital way to convey that your door is always open. When employees can anonymously report concerns through a tip line, HR departments are able to stay one step ahead of their needs and can address problems quickly.
This solution should also offer two-way, real-time communications with employees. With this, you will be able to improve your response by immediately following up to learn more. Not only will this show employees that you care, but it will also convey that you are always ready to step in and help.
Whatever the future holds, communication is key
During these uncertain times of change, it is crucial that your employees know you are all in this together. Nothing says that like clear and consistent communication. Now is the time to learn how your organization can benefit from an employee communication solution that helps connect, engage, inform, and listen to its employees no matter where they are located.
About the Author
Carolyn Berk is a Content Marketing Specialist at Rave Mobile Safety. She writes about employee safety and technology for professionals in the corporate sector.