During times of crisis, it is crucial for organizations to focus on engaging and communicating effectively with their employees. This becomes even more important with the increased tensions and protests surrounding South Africa’s elections. Organizations facing challenges like insecurity, water, and energy shortages, along with ongoing protests, need to make sure their workforce stays united and well-informed.
Wyzetalk offers a crisis communication tool that enables instant and targeted messaging to frontline workers in various industries, including mines, manufacturing plants, factories, distribution centers, and retail stores, facilitating effective communication during critical situations.A common mistake during crisis communication is not keeping your audience in mind.
Having a digital communication channel in place serves as a significant facilitator, she notes. While face-to-face interactions with smaller groups are workable,to reach the entire workforce or specific segments enables timely notifications, such as informing them about the temporary closure of a mine or factory or advising on alternate routes to work because of protest actions.
Consistent communication not only informs but also manages employees’ expectations, as Van der Lei explains. “For instance, after reaching an agreement, you could inform your employees about the likely time for their return to work. This will go a long way toward keeping them informed and building transparency.”