Key Data for Communicators in Global Survey

The latest global survey from Melcrum, Key Benchmark Data for Communicators 2009, has revealed that in the light of the recession, every area of internal communications is being re-examined. Here are some of the survey’s headlines and what they mean for IC professionals:

Budget cuts – almost half of respondents (46%) said they will be spending less on consultants in the next 12 months. External advisors will therefore need to “re-evaluate what they offer and become more focused”. For those working in-house, budget cuts will mean less opportunities to move position and engage employees on a grand scale – but will be a chance for savvy communicators to gain respect by getting creative working closely with leaders and to make a difference.

Strategy change – 47% of respondents stated that cutbacks have led to fundamental change in their communication strategy. The main focus for internal communicators today appears to be on rebuilding trust and giving employees the answers they need. This is good news as it puts IC in the limelight, but it is demanding work that often needs to be done with fewer resources. Now more than ever, IC professionals need to prove their worth to gain the resources they need.

Change in Channels – 45% of respondents predicted a reduction in print communications in the coming year, with many seeing the Internet as a more cost effective and engaging alternative, due to its ability to spread messages to the right audiences with simplicity, immediacy and transparency.

Priority skills – Most respondents indicated that over the next 12 months, the most important skills will be: ‘managing change communication’ (43.2%), ‘supporting senior leadership communication’ (37.9%), and ‘measuring the effectiveness of internal communication’ (27.6%). In terms of leadership communications, ‘coaching managers to communicate’ came out as the top priority (52.5%), closely followed by ‘strategic planning’ (51%) and ‘how to assess communication effectiveness’ (49.3%).

More about the survey and its findings >

Melitta

By | October 2nd, 2009|Other resources|0 Comments
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Communicating to boost morale and performance in a downturn

Only 40% of full-time UK employees feel their company has a clear plan to withstand the recession, according to a new study by Threshold Communications, specialists in communication and behaviour change.

These figures are particularly important to business leaders as the research also shows that a link with productivity and morale. Of those who feel strongly that their company has a clear plan to withstand the recession 82% have considerably more enthusiasm in their day-to-day jobs and 86% feel committed to their organizations long-term success.

The research also stresses the importance of good manager/employee communications, stating that: “People don’t leave companies – they leave managers”. Key in this relationship is the managers ability to listen and respond to staff. 

Other key findings:

  • The extent to which employees beleive their company has a plan to withstand recession, correlates directly with their motivation and long- term commitment.
  • Most employees are not confident that their organization has a plan to withstand recession.
  • Employees are considerably more likely to trust their direct line managers than senior leaders.
  • Only 32% of employees feel that the way in which their line manager communicates with them supports their motivation.
  • Where line managers talk through company plans and aims employees are  significantly more likely to feel motivated and committed.
  • Where line managers genuinely listen and seek input and ideas, employees are significantly more likely to feel motivated and committed.

For more information about the survey and its findings, see the full report >

Melitta

By | May 20th, 2009|Other resources|0 Comments
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Online communications during a crisis

In October 2008, when the Financial Crisis was in full tilt, Lundquist Srl, a corporate communications consultancy based in Milan, surveyed 51 of the worlds most important banks to discover what information, if any, they were putting on their respective websites.

The research highlighted a growing gap between the demand and supply of corporate information. While users are increasingly turning to online resources for answers, on the whole banks are ignoring this important medium as a means of sharing key information.

Learning from the survey, Lundquist suggest that to effectively communicate online the following principles should be kept in mind:

  • Honesty – demonstrate awareness of the situation as the first step to regaining confidence
  • Clarity of language – make the information easily understandable, include things  such as an investor Q&A or a well written management statement
  • Completeness – provide background by explaining the context
  • Link to other resources – such as reliable third party information
  • Authoritativeness – the presence and opinions of company management should be felt
  • Easy to find – make the information users want to find highly evident
  • Coherence – online message must be integrated with traditional media channels
  • Interactivity – make use of technologies such as: video, Q&A and dedicated contacts

A summary of the survey’s findings was presented earlier this year to the annual meeting of the world federation of stock exchanges Zurich. For more information, download a copy of this presentation >

Melitta

By | May 8th, 2009|Other resources|0 Comments
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8 Rules: How to manage PR in the Economical Crisis

Ahead April’s Crisis Communication conference in London, organisers have issued a tip sheet outlining the eight rules for managing PR in an economical crisis to help professionals position their messages appropriately in today’s environment and avoid making fundamental errors.

Download the Tip Sheet and find out more about the conference >

Melitta

By | April 1st, 2009|Other resources|0 Comments
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Communicating your way through a recession

Despite being written one year ago, the HBS article, ‘Marketing Your Way Through a Recession’, is still relevant today. In the piece, professor John Quelch explains that the is key is to marketing during a recession is understanding how the needs of your customers and partners has changed, and adapting your strategies to the new reality.

Much of what Quelch imparts in his article is as relevant for those in communication, as it is for those in marketing:

Research the customer. Preferences have changed, and so communicating successfully with your audience will rely on understanding their new needs. This will also help you target clients more effectively and not waste any of your time, energy or spend.

Focus on Family Values. During hard times, people spend more time at home and focus their attention on those closest to them, therefore images of homely scenes will have a big impact as people seek to be comforted.

Maintain communication spend. Now is the time to negotiate great rates and lock these in for the long-term. By maintaining strong communications with your customers now, you will have a greater chance of gaining market share at low cost, as well as gaining a lasting an edge over the competition.

Know your plans well. Understanding your current strategy well will help you to eliminate those areas that are weak and adapt your strategy to the current climate without affecting outcomes.

Support your partners. Everyone is struggling, but by working together with your partners, you may be able to find new and better ways of achieving your goals, whilst simultaneously building strong relationships that will help you survive the downturn.

Emphasize core values. While lay-offs may be inevitable, now is the time to cement the loyalty of those who remain by assuring employees that the company has survived difficult times before by maintaining quality rather than cutting corners and focusing on existing and key customers. CEO visibility will be key. 

Read the original article >

Melitta

By | March 4th, 2009|Other resources|0 Comments
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