These are the uncertain times we have never experienced before, and the leaders face the questions they may not have answers to. Since we have no experience in this field, it is difficult to know what to do and how to communicate.

As in any crisis, you have to communicate quickly this time, too. Even if you are still trying to understand the scope of the issues in your company, be honest and open to maintain your credibility. Approach the situation with empathy, step into the shoes of your employees and try to understand their anxiety.

What do we recommend?

Communicate CONTINUOUSLY

It is difficult for your message to come through even in “normal” times. In times of crisis, however, our brains are even less capable of receiving information. Therefore, send important messages repeatedly, using different channels of communication.

Given the lack of information, it can be difficult to control the situation, but acting panic will not influence your employees well. Above all, remember that you MUST communicate, because: “The emptiness has the potential to be filled by anything.” – Jean Paul Sartre

Maintain your TEAM SPIRIT, even when working from home

Technical solutions for two-way conversation during working from home play an important role as there are considerably less personal conversations. Employees who are accustomed to daily office contacts with the co-workers should talk on a daily basis. Even if there is nothing new you can tell them, find a way to maintain a team spirit. The means of communication should include the ability to ask questions and engage everyone in the conversation.

Be CLEAR

As the government advices change almost daily, we sometimes do not understand them well enough so it is all the more important that the messages in your company are crystal clear. Before sending the messages, check them within the team of your closer associates whether they are written as will be understood and that your message is accurate, leaving no doubt.

Even though most leaders are not qualified to be excellent speakers, your employees will appreciate tips on how to communicate and use technical tools for teleworking, best tips for working from home, up-to-date news, and key company happenings.

Be COMPASSIONATE

Unlike the previous economic crisis, this crisis is personal as it affects both physical and emotional health. It influences how we live and connect with family, friends and colleagues. People are worried about what will happen to their job, family, whether they will stay healthy and are generally concerned about situations they cannot control.

Some panics may seem irrational, but your response to how they feel can help them manage their anxiety. Add an extra measure of warmth and humanity to your communication. Friendliness and empathy can greatly facilitate the well-being of employees.

LEADERSHIP is even more important in times of crisis

You must do crisis work and be a visible leader. With your appearance, you can create a sense of calm and community. Listen to your employees, show them that you hear them, and answer their questions, concerns, ideas.

Don’t just limit yourself to email, use short videos (and other communication tools) as well.

The fact is that you cannot influence external factors and the situation your company has found itself in, but you can completely control how you treat your employees. Failure to show understanding and compassion will have permanent consequences on your reputation. Empathy, kindness and emotional intelligence are the ones that mean the most in such situations.

Communicate SINCERELY

It is hard to strike a balance between what’s going on in the company and how transparently you talk about it in front of your employees. But companies should not hide their problems from employees or even give them false hope. If redundancies are likely, don’t say the opposite. Fear and uncertainty diminish productivity and trust, so you need to be honest and open to questions.