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

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

As employers begin planning for this year’s Open Enrollment season, many are facing the newfound challenge of educating employees about benefits selections from afar. COVID-19 has ushered in a whole new world of work for companies around the globe, and clear and consistent employee communications are essential to keeping workforces connected and informed.

With that said, Open Enrollment is still an opportune time to engage your employees and update them on benefits they can use to navigate these unprecedented times. It’s also a proactive way to highlight offerings that enhance employee wellness — even (and especially) if they’re working from home.

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

The Situation: How COVID is Changing the Way We Work

The unprecedented circumstances surrounding COVID-19 heightened the need for clear and compassionate employee communications. As workers quickly transitioned from a "typical" workday to some juggling remote work and wondering what returning to work would be like in the "new normal", many have turned to their employers for clarity about what comes next.

When COVID-19 began its rapid spread, it brought with it a wave of uncertainty and unexpected changes for employees. Our client, a leading global specialty chemical manufacturing and performance materials company, recognized the toll the pandemic could take on its employees' well-being right away. During this time, they observed a noticeable decline in Employee Assistance Program (EAP) activities in Q1 (down 33% from Q1 2019) and participation in their Well-Being program was pacing behind 2019 metrics.

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