<p>Does your company have an internal communications program that includes training your employees on your corporate policies for the media and the public? If you thought such a plan wasn’t necessary, think again. The impact cell phones and social media are having on information sharing is dramatic and can be very damaging. The only way to be truly prepared is to have a media communications plan that outlines these policies for <em>all</em> of your employees. A crisis is not the time to develop new media communication strategies!</p>
<p> The following is a list of suggestions for educating your employees on how to be good ambassadors for your company. </p>
<p> <strong> Always plan as if an encounter with the media could happen</strong>. It is not un-common for one of your employees to be contacted (away from the office) by reporters for follow-up stories, additional company information, or a new product launch. Make sure all of your employees understand your corporate media policies and how to handle an inquiry from a member of the press or the public.</p>
<p> <strong>Educate your employees on your company's policies</strong>. Ideally only trained staff should speak as a representative of the company. You cannot prevent your employees from expressing their opinion, but it is important during an interview or informal conversation, both your employees and the media understand the employee is not speaking as a representative of the company.</p>
<p> <strong>Wear company attire appropriately</strong>. It is important that you have company policies outlining the wearing of company attire. Your company’s public image depends on your employees conducting themselves professionally and courteously in public. Remind your employees when they are wearing company clothing, they represent the company, and may unknowingly solicit unwanted attention.</p>
<p> <strong>Be on guard 24/7.</strong> Cell phones and digital cameras have provided instant communication options for customers who may be in the middle of a crisis situation with your company. As a company media representative, be prepared to contact the media immediately if you become aware of a situation in progress. Don’t wait to hear about the problem on the 6:00 o’clock news. </p>
<p> <strong>Monitor your company’s reputation. </strong> Social media has also greatly expanded the opportunity to highlight your company’s crisis or incidence with employees. It is becoming all too common for pictures and video clips to be distributed involving your company’s employees that could have an immediate and negative effect on your company’s reputation. </p>
<p> <strong>Be careful with electronic communications</strong>. Frequently remind employees that all e-mails, text messages, blog posts, faxes, letters, reports, and memos are the property of the company. Employees also need to be mindful of working on company (confidential) documents in public, n over the shoulder observer may be watching. Take extra security precautions when using public Wi-Fi.</p>
<p><strong>Do your homework</strong> – never respond to the media inquiry until you have all the facts. In the event you have not had time to research the incident, simply state “we are still gathering information/facts and will respond as soon as possible.” Make sure if you tell a reporter you will respond—then do so. Your company does not need negative press that might arise from being unresponsive. </p>
<p><strong> </strong><strong>Never discuss sensitive company information in public. </strong>You never know who might be within listening distance of your conversation. Always remember what you say in public could end up in the press, or on a blog or social media site. </p>
<p>It is important that your employees are prepared and informed about communicating with the media regarding your company. Continually reminding employees about proper conduct is a must. Providing regular training on corporate policies should be a key component of your internal communications program and will result in higher moral, reduced employee turnover and a stronger public image for your company. </p>
2009-10-20T19:37:36Z
-0.8368
92
7028
true
6
11502
caution-employee-communication-strategies
0
2009-10-31T09:45:13Z
2009-10-31T16:45:27Z
Times are changing, information regarding your company could be broadcast around the world in nano-seconds by un witting employees. Every company needs to have specific, outlined communication strategies and policies to protect and manage your company's repuation.
Caution: Employee Communication Strategies
1
2009-10-31T16:45:27Z