For many of today’s employees, financial uncertainty in the wake of Covid-19 has become a major source of stress, affecting their ability to focus, both at work and at home. Several may seek guidance or assistance from employers to reach their short- and long-term financial goals. And, in the “new normal,” proactive employers will be poised to deliver financial wellness initiatives that keep their employees on track for their goals, de-stressed, and better able to concentrate on their day-to-day work.

Tags: Employee Communications, HR Communications, Employee Engagement, internal communications, communication strategy, Employee Marketing, 2021, financial wellness

For many employers, the challenges and changes of 2020 are carrying a familiar sense of employee uncertainty into 2021. And while some have come a long way in effectively mitigating crises and helping remote employees feel connected, a significant number of today’s employees are still feeling worried—and it’s taking a toll on their overall health and well-being.

According to the October 2020 Leading Indicator Systems Workforce Listening Study, since May 2020, U.S. workforces have witnessed:

• A 38% increase in employees being worried about their own mental health.
• A 45% increase in employees being extremely worried about their ability to take care of family.
• A 140% increase in employees being extremely worried about their own vulnerability to addiction.
• 75% of employees find it challenging to work under their current conditions.

Tags: Employee Communications, HR Communications, Employee Engagement, internal communications, communication strategy, Employee Marketing, 2021

If we’ve learned anything from 2020, it’s that a well-strategized internal communication plan can make the difference between employees feeling confused, anxious and disconnected or integrated, prepared and able to adapt to any organizational changes that come their way. And while internal communications are becoming increasingly digital in today’s “new normal,” they’re still a vital way to ensure employees are engaged, aware of the company strategy, and confident in their role in carrying it out.

Tags: Employee Communications, HR Communications, Employee Engagement, internal communications, communication strategy, Employee Marketing, 2021

From recruiting and hiring to onboarding, benefits management, employee relations and more, the traditional components of the HR infrastructure have been dismantled by Covid-19. And as organizations look to 2021 with deeper context about what happens next, a redesigned approach to compensation communications will be a crucial part of year-end planning.

With unprecedented numbers of employees working remotely and limited plans to return to in-person work, dynamic compensation communication strategies that are inclusive to all employees across a patchwork of geographic locations and circumstances will be essential in 2021.

In a time of overwhelming economic uncertainty, having a deliberate and comprehensive compensation communications plan could make the difference between your employees feeling financially secure or left out in the dark.

Tags: HR Communications, Employee Engagement, communication strategy, total rewards, benefit package, compensation statement, 2021

Fostering inclusion in the workplace has been a priority for HR since long before COVID-19 began. And as the global workforce continues to withstand unprecedented challenges from the ever-changing pandemic, a strong and sustained focus on organizational belonging is becoming more critical than ever.

With many employees experiencing an influx of stress as a result of extensive social isolation, cultivating an inclusive remote workplace can help bridge the disconnect between HR and employees and enable targeted efforts to bolster empathy and vital support.

Tags: HR Communications, Employee Engagement, communication strategy, culture, 2021

In our latest Spitfire Speaks video, one of our Account Executives, Karen Scattergood, discusses social trends to consider using for employee communications. She offers some easy, effective tips on how to engage your employees in a medium many are already quite familiar with: social media.

Tags: Employee Communications, Employee Engagement, social media, communication strategy, 2020

Over the last few months, the landscape of the modern workplace has dramatically changed. From furloughed workers to full-time telecommuters to employee parents with unexpected homeschooling duties, a lot remains unprecedented and unknown for the global workforce. This uncertainty coupled with a lack of in-person interaction is creating a chasm between employees and their HR advocates. And it could be fueling a culture of “employee disconnect”.

Tags: Employee Communications, Employee Engagement, Open Enrollment, communication strategy, 2020, COVID

In Tips For a Successful Open Enrollment: Part 1, we broke down the numerous ways an active approach to Open Enrollment can help combat employee fatigue and ensure the 50% of employees who are indifferent to the process are excited (or at least compelled) to take action. 

In Part 2, we’ll now take a look at the most effective ways to communicate with them once you’ve gotten their attention (and if you still haven’t). 

Tags: Employee Communications, Employee Engagement, Open Enrollment, communication strategy, 2020, COVID

A seamless Open Enrollment experience is one of the most pressing organizational priorities this time of year. And as different as 2020 is, providing that seamless experience is even more important. In fact, with a drastically altered outlook for most employers, it is even more essential to keep things running smoothly as we head into 2021.

Along with the standard Open Enrollment speed bumps and frenzied push for employees to make key benefits decisions, this season brings the added nuances of workers who are sidelined at home – uncertain about their future and concerned about their health and well-being. 

Tags: Employee Communications, Employee Engagement, Open Enrollment, communication strategy, 2020, COVID

 

Whether it’s expediting the candidate experience, enriching employee onboarding, streamlining Open Enrollment or tackling a one-off issue, it’s generally assumed that employees can look to their employers for insights, information and timely solutions. In fact, 67% of employees believe their employer offers the most effective response to the Coronavirus pandemic.

 

And, while it’s more critical than ever for employers to communicate through challenges their workers are facing, it’s equally important to admit the unknowns. If you don’t have all the answers, it’s okay to say so. Be as transparent as possible about the ways your organization is working to get answers, respond to obstacles and uncertainty in a timely manner, and don’t be afraid to overcommunicate as needed.

Tags: Employee Communications, Employee Engagement, Open Enrollment, communication strategy, 2020, COVID