How do you keep employees informed and motivated during a crisis?

1 Acknowledge the situation

The first step in crisis communication is to acknowledge the situation and its impact on your business and your employees. Don't ignore, deny, or downplay the crisis, as this can erode trust and credibility. Instead, be transparent, honest, and empathetic. Share what you know, what you don't know, and what you are doing to find out more. Express your concern and support for your employees and their families, and acknowledge their emotions and challenges. By acknowledging the situation, you show that you care and that you are in control.

3 Involve and empower your employees

The third step in crisis communication is to involve and empower your employees. Don't isolate, exclude, or micromanage them. Instead, seek their input, feedback, and suggestions. Ask them what they need, what they think, and what they can do to help. Listen to their concerns, questions, and ideas. Encourage them to share their opinions, experiences, and stories. Recognize their contributions, achievements, and efforts. Delegate tasks, responsibilities, and authority to them. Give them autonomy, flexibility, and choice. By involving and empowering your employees, you show that you trust and appreciate them and that you are collaborative and supportive.

4 Focus on the future

The fourth step in crisis communication is to focus on the future. Don't dwell on the past, blame others, or lose hope. Instead, share your vision, goals, and plans for the future. Highlight the opportunities, benefits, and solutions that the crisis can bring. Emphasize the strengths, values, and purpose of your business and your employees. Inspire them with stories of success, resilience, and innovation. Remind them of the mission, vision, and culture of your organization. Motivate them with incentives, rewards, and recognition. By focusing on the future, you show that you are optimistic and confident and that you are committed and passionate.

5 Adapt and learn

The fifth step in crisis communication is to adapt and learn. Don't resist, ignore, or repeat the same mistakes. Instead, monitor, evaluate, and improve your communication and your actions. Solicit and accept feedback from your employees, customers, partners, and stakeholders. Measure and analyze the results and outcomes of your communication and your actions. Identify and acknowledge the gaps, errors, and weaknesses. Implement and communicate the changes, corrections, and improvements. Learn from the crisis and use it as an opportunity to grow, innovate, and transform. By adapting and learning, you show that you are flexible and responsive and that you are proactive and responsible.

6 Celebrate and appreciate

The sixth and final step in crisis communication is to celebrate and appreciate. Don't forget, neglect, or take for granted your employees. Instead, thank, praise, and reward them. Express your gratitude, admiration, and respect for their work, dedication, and loyalty. Celebrate their achievements, milestones, and successes. Recognize their skills, talents, and potential. Offer them opportunities, challenges, and development. Show them that you care about their well-being, happiness, and satisfaction. By celebrating and appreciating your employees, you show that you are grateful and generous and that you are human and humble.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?