17 Mar Communicating Amid Coronavirus

The world has very quickly changed for every human on this planet. Coronavirus affects each and every one of us. Additionally, businesses are impacted in many different ways, some need to work remotely, others need to increase sanitization, others need to work on feeding those in need and providing aid to those who are temporarily out of work and more. Rapidly, things continue to change.

Communicating during this time is no different. We must all work together and your organization can help with that process by simply letting your internal and external publics know what and how your organization is doing in these uncertain times.

Be kind and think positively. Many people are hit with tremendous stress of fear, economic uncertainty, and worry for loved ones. This is a time perhaps more important than others to show kindness. Share your positive stories, how an employee went above and beyond to help, how an idea born from ingenuity is making change, a hero that is working to save lives, the positivity of banding together and if nothing else – kindness. What is your organization doing or saying that can help? Do you have tips that can be helpful during these times? Share it!

Closure. If your business is closing, be sure to communicate on all platforms (website, social, physical signage, etc.). Your employees are sure to feel uncertain, in your communications to them you will want to ensure they are clear on how they will be taken care of by your organization. You’ll need to ensure that the message of how you’re doing so is also communicated to the general public as well. The public cares how employees in every organization are being treated right now and memories of this will last longer than the virus.

Sanitization. We are all encouraged to stay home as much as possible. But when an individual does need to venture out, they want to know that any business or organization they encounter has done everything possible to reduce risk of exposure to the virus. Talk about your sanitization efforts and communicate new policies both internally and externally.

Community support.  Can your business or organization support the community, health care workers, the elderly or those in need? There will be many people without work as our nation seeks to balance the limit of the spread of the virus with our economy. Can your organization support those that are in need of supplies, food, or anything of importance? Now is the time to communicate this. The White House just asked for construction companies to donate their N95 masks to health care workers, for example. Communicate this process if you’re one of them. Let people know how you’re a part of the solution.

Remote working. Many companies are working remotely or are having a staggered work schedule during this time. Communicate this both internally and externally to allow stakeholders and your public to understand how your organization is reacting to this pandemic.

Cultural change. Our White House has administered ‘guidelines’ for social distancing, but there are new norms where we will have to create new avenues of cultural interaction. Shaking hands is no longer customary (and it is not seen as an insult to not shake hands), and your employees should follow guidelines on standing three feet apart, separating cubicle mates and those who share offices, refraining from answering the same telephones, using the same keyboards or cash registers, and more. Be open to talking about interaction changes. Don’t be afraid to talk about this and answer any and all questions.

Response and incorporating your organization. Consider how your business can be interviewed about areas of strength that can provide aid to your community. For example, a restaurant should consider providing cooking tips to those at home or a pool company could discuss ways to incorporate learning with pool playtime for kids staying home from school. A bank can discuss financial updates and security or your nonprofit can communicate how they’re helping.

Telecommunications. Maybe your company regularly uses Zoom, Google Hangouts or other video conferencing or perhaps you’re new to it. Either way, it’s good to get these tech skills up to speed. We are now scheduling interviews with clients via Skype or remote instead of them going in-studio to be interviewed by media. Things are changing. You may as well have these pieces of the puzzle under control as well (side note: many of these services are completely free).

Bilingual. Many communities in the U.S. are bilingual, or multi-lingual, and if you’re in one of these communities and you’re following the above guidance of communications, you may want/need to incorporate multiple languages to ensure you’re reaching all audiences.

We are strong believers that if your organization communicates appropriately and openly during this time, the public will remember how you were a part of the solution and supporting others. When the virus is tackled and our regular business is restored, those who communicated well will be remembered positively in the public’s collective consciousness.

Let’s beat this together.