The German economy is weakening and more and more companies are suffering from declining orders and getting into serious difficulties. One of the biggest challenges in such situations is communication with employees.
When companies get into economic difficulties, the employees quickly feel it. Ill-considered or too late information can lead to mistrust and further exacerbate the situation. That's why smart, transparent and empathetic communication is crucial.
Communication tips in the crisis
1. Transparency and honesty
Talking is golden, especially in a crisis. It is a mistake to play down or conceal the situation. Your employees feel for themselves that not everything is as it should be and, in the worst case, even the press will beat you to it. Nobody wants to know from the media that their job may be in danger! It is therefore essential to talk openly and honestly about the situation. Even if you can't reveal all the details or confidential information, you should convey the essential facts in a clear and understandable way.
Tip: Prepare thoroughly for conversations or written communications. Be clear in your message and avoid ambiguous statements.
2. Regular information
If your team feels like important information is being withheld, it can lead to a loss of trust and anxiety. In addition, people appreciate it when they are regularly informed. Therefore, keep giving updates, even if there are only small changes. In this way, the employees feel valued and less insecure.
Tip: Plan regular updates, for example in the form of a newsletter or regular staff meetings, even if there is no concrete news.
3. Empathetic communication
A crisis at one's own employer can affect people very emotionally. Existential fears, uncertainty about the job and the future are stressful. Managers should therefore communicate compassionately and empathetically. Employees need to feel that their concerns are being taken seriously and that they are not alone.
Tip: Offer opportunities for discussion and individual support, for example in the form of consultation hours, psychological counseling or employee surveys. If necessary, involve the works council.
4. Identify solutions
In order to avoid a feeling of powerlessness and hopelessness, it is important to show solutions to the crisis. Even if you don't have all the answers yourself, show them in which direction things can go. In this way, you convey your firm belief in leading the company out of the crisis again. Also clearly state what the next steps are: What will happen in the next few days or weeks? What measures are being taken to maintain or restructure business operations? Clear action plans create trust in leadership.
Tip: Communicate in your regular updates which measures have already been taken or are still planned. If possible, give an outlook on possible developments. Name timelines and milestones, even if they can change at short notice.
5. Involve employees
In many cases, it is helpful to actively involve employees in crisis management. This fosters a sense of community and shows that everyone is working together to guide the company through this difficult time. Employees often have valuable ideas on how to overcome the crisis.
Tip: Organize workshops, brainstorming sessions, or feedback sessions where everyone can contribute their ideas and suggestions.
6. Use external help
Communication in times of crisis is a difficult field, regardless of whether it is communication with the media, business partners or one's own employees. Sometimes it can therefore make sense to call in external support. This can take the form of crisis counsellors, communication specialists or psychological support.
Tip: mbw's communication trainers are experts in crisis communication and can help you strike the right tone. Further information can be found here. Please feel free to contact us!
Conclusion: From crisis to new beginning
Crises are a stress test for companies and employees alike. But they also offer the opportunity to strengthen cohesion and find solutions together. Open, honest and empathetic communication forms the basis for the company to emerge stronger from the crisis. By taking employees' concerns seriously and transparently showing perspectives, managers create trust and promote commitment to overcome the crisis together.
Conclusion: From crisis to new beginning
Crises are a stress test for companies and employees alike. But they also offer the opportunity to strengthen cohesion and find solutions together. Open, honest and empathetic communication forms the basis for the company to emerge stronger from the crisis. By taking employees' concerns seriously and transparently showing perspectives, managers create trust and promote commitment to overcome the crisis together.