Is the COVID-19 Crisis Stabilizing for Companies?

Communicating in a new phase of pandemic

The crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic has been with us in the U.S. for months. As reopening is taking place across the country, we are now entering a new phase of communications – stabilization.

In some areas, infection rates are starting to moderate. Testing and treatment plans are gaining a foothold. The economy is seemingly less volatile, and companies and workers have fallen into established work-from-home habits.

Social distancing requirements are loosening and changing as businesses reopen in our communities. Business leaders and employees are anxious to get back to work and make up for any losses, but also concerned about safety and health in workplaces and for customers. 

Those you are targeting with your messages will hear your words through a wide range of filters – from having been minimally impacted by COVID-19 to having moderate impact to having experienced significant loss. Being mindful of this spectrum and the resulting emotion, grief and insecurity of it, will go a long way in your communications being able to hit the mark. 

Consider these communications tips and how they apply to your organization:

Here’s a downloadable PDF version as well.

• Take a moment and recognize what your organization and your entire workforce – from the security guard to the CEO – have been through since late-February.

• Name and acknowledge the challenges. 

• Identify and call attention to the successes. 

• Start to cast a vision for what this new season and communications will look like. 

• Be honest about what you don’t know yet.

• Remain committed to constant and clear communications with your audiences.

To help you through this time, Rhudy & Co. will follow this article with a 3-part series focused on these topics: health and wellbeing, workplace design, and leadership communications. Stay tuned to our social media and online channels for all future and previous content.