Internal Communication
Staying authentic in a boss-employee relationship can be like navigating the Upside Down from Stranger Things. Companies make decisions based on strict business needs, and sometimes these decisions aren’t great for the employees. For example, let’s say there’s a small layoff. It might save hundreds of jobs during a market downturn, but you still have to let some people go. The company’s reputation might take a hit, but how much it does is key. Handling and communicating these decisions well is tough, but with a solid employer branding strategy and honest, consistent communication, you can minimize the damage.
If our company culture and internal communication are employee-friendly, constructive, and kind, it’s easier to keep it real, even during layoffs. Leadership that creates a cool workplace, builds on real values, listens to employee needs, and can reflect on itself is less likely to lose credibility with its workers.
External Communication
We’ve all been there – seeing a company that seems awesome on the outside but is totally different on the inside, like stepping into Westworld and realizing things aren’t as they appear. This could be because companies twist the truth about themselves or don’t fully understand their own values and weaknesses. Because of this, employees have become pretty skeptical about what employers say about themselves. That’s why in external communication, the opinion of an “independent” third party has become super important. This could be a certification body, an award, contest results, or even an expert who backs up certain info about the company.
Social media is also a big deal for validating an employer brand. Posts, blogs, and online forums about workplaces are popular spots for sharing opinions, and we tend to trust personal stories shared here, whether they’re good or bad – we want the real scoop.
Don’t think that staying away from these platforms means you can ignore them. You need to monitor and respond to what’s being said about your company! By being present online as an employer and consistently communicating your company’s values, you can more easily find the right employees. Don’t advertise fake values or paint an attractive but false picture of yourself because disappointed employees will increase turnover and hurt your employer brand. Remember, unexpected and negative surprises are a no-go.
Finally, it’s important to align your internal and external communication, as mixed messages confuse job seekers and create uncertainty among employees. Keeping it real isn’t just hard to achieve but also hard to maintain, so it’s important to have well-structured, ongoing, and mindful communication. Agencies and professionals who know the game can help with this.
