Confusion and uncertainty are surrounding the current COVID-19 World crisis.Therefore, businesses are finding it hard to cope with managing personnel through the newly imposed alternative modes of work such as remote working.However, the crux of efficient business flow and business continuity during a crisis is to improve internal communication.It guarantees that employees are functioning cooperatively towards a common objective with a clear idea. Additionally, it builds up company culture and engages workers to respect the business’s objectives and relationships. Hence, improving internal communications during a crisis.

Some may think that bettering internal communication during a lockdown is difficult, if not impossible.However, with the correct approach and techniques this necessity can be accomplished efficiently.

It is firstly a priority tomake sure correct equipment and online infrastructures are ready to ensure the company’s response to COVID-19’s remote communication plan can be created and executed. To do this, the IT department needs to be mobilized and provided with the required resources to create a solid remote working system quickly. The IT will have several tasks at hand other than merely setting up the platform. Therefore, managers will need to be additionally responsible in executing related tasks such as: teaching the staff what to do in case of service failures interruption or lagging systems, researching to find out how IT can improve their efficiency while tele-working and subscribe to digital security software and educate employees aboutit.In crisis situations, it is the responsibility of managers and leaders to carry out a sound and holistic crisis management plan.

Managers must be distinctly visible and available to make sure the staffs do not stress untold information. Being available via email or other platforms is great; however, leaders need to increase their responsiveness when it comes to Video-call or Video-chats. It mimics the feeling of nearness and allows for an abundance of information to beshared over a short time.

Employees need to know that they can count on the guidance of leaders.Similarly, appointing responsible figureheads or Team-Leaders who employees can speak to in case managers are not available can ensure quick information sharing and assuredness. Creating an internal communication systemusing an intranetmakes sure everybody is on the same page and can communicate with each other freely.Posting official and authentic news on the platform or internal matters of consequence is beneficial too. There may be times when there is ‘No change’ on updates yet posting it will promise staff that the current happenings are being constantly checked, and the content they are learning is up to date.

Usual business proceedings ensure that content goes through several proof-reads before being posted. Excessive management protocols cause“redtape” which will disrupt the rapid flow of important information sharing and slow people from focusing on more crucial tasks.

Lastly, businesses must regularly record their internal communication scheme, observe what channels, messaging platform etc, to deduce what was useful and efficient and what was not. This can also be done by collecting staff feedback. With this information, internal communication plans should be updated to fit changes regarding how Coronavirus is evolving. In conclusion, with a effective strategy, improving internal communications during a crisis can be effortless and efficient.

References:

1. Communication Is More Important Now Than Ever Before: 9 Ways To Reassure And Re-Engage Your Team, Mar 16, 2020,
2. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) technical guidance: Risk communication and community engagement, WHO.