Strategies for management employee concerns in tough economic times

1. STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING EMPLOYEE
CONCERNS IN CHALLENGING ECONOMIC TIMES
Gail Whitcomb
May 16, 2013

2. Monitor your own attitude
 Be disciplined when communicating with
your team either in person or in writing
 Stay in the right frame of mind
 Be positive in your communications!

3. Share good news
 Tell positive stories about what is
happening in your business and in your
industry
 Share stories about team members and
the great work they’re doing
 Ensure that managers are sharing
positivity with team members

4. Address genuine concerns
 Talk about rumors and innuendo because
staff is talking anyway
 Tell the truth – if you don’t know, say you
don’t know
 Deliver your message with confidence

5. Distinguish between global and
local
 What’s happening in the economy and
your business are probably different
 Explain why a larger economic problem
may not affect your company
 Share your strategies for keeping the
company healthy

6. Share information quickly
 Make it easy for your team to get
information – especially about their
benefits or 401K
 Don’t let the water cooler be their source
of what’s happening – communicate!
 Answer questions truthfully and help them
make good decisions if changes are
coming

7. Coach your managers
 Make sure your managers are as
forthcoming and straightforward as you
are
 Coach them on influencing, motivating
and inspiring others – critical skills needed
in good times and bad

8. Use all channels of
communication
 Understand which methods of
communication work best for your teams –
newsletters, stand-up meetings, social
media sites, email
 Use humor and positive stories where
appropriate
 If your business is going through a major
change, set up a company-wide intranet
and post regular updates

9. Remember…….
 Be aware of your own stress levels – body
language, facial expressions, try to
maintain a positive outward demeanor
 YOU can set the tone for your staff – open
and honest communication is the key