Keeping the Team Together During Times of Disaster

Communicating at work during a disaster

When disaster strikes, businesses of all sizes experience disruption and upheaval. It is during these times of crisis that the strength of communication within a team plays an invaluable role in keeping operations running as smoothly as possible.

As leaders and business owners, it can be especially challenging to make sure every part of your workforce stays connected amidst the chaos − no matter their location, technology access or availability. This blog post outlines helpful tips for staying connected with your team while navigating difficult circumstances and ensures successful communication at work during disasters with minimal discomfort.

Understand the challenges of communication during a disaster

During a disaster, communication can be incredibly difficult due to a variety of factors. Power outages, damaged infrastructure, and overwhelmed cellular networks can all contribute to a breakdown in communication channels. However, these challenges call for a concerted effort to stay connected. Whether it’s using alternative communication methods like walkie-talkies or satellite phones, or relying on local officials for updates and information, people must work together to overcome the obstacles in their way.

The ability to communicate can mean the difference between life and death, and it’s important to remember that everyone has a role to play in making sure that vital information is shared and acted upon.

Create a plan for communicating with employees and stakeholders

Developing a comprehensive and effective communication plan is crucial for any organization. When it comes to communicating with employees and stakeholders, it becomes even more important. According to Axios HQ’s The 2023 State of Essential Workplace Communications Report – 44% of respondents say they have no formal communication plan in place. Perhaps during regular operations, the lack of a plan is not significant, but during a disaster, it can make a massive difference to business resilience.

To achieve success in this area, it is important to establish a consistent practice for relaying information and updates. This can be done through the implementation of regular meetings, informative newsletters, and timely email communications. Consistency will not only build trust with your employees and stakeholders but also help to ensure that they are consistently informed about the organization’s activities and objectives. By creating a solid plan for communication, you can establish a culture of transparency and collaboration that will benefit everyone involved.

Utilize technology to stay in touch with remote workers

In today’s global economy, remote workers have become a common part of the workforce. While having remote workers has many advantages, it can be challenging to stay connected with them. Fortunately, technology has provided several ways to overcome this hurdle. By utilizing text messaging, email, and instant messaging, managers and employees can stay in touch despite geographical barriers. These forms of communication are convenient, fast, and conducive to real-time collaboration and are already regularly accepted at the rate of 56%, as Axios’ report notes. Whether you need to discuss a project or clarify instructions, these technological tools are worth considering to improve communication and productivity with remote workers.

Set expectations for frequency and tone of communication

Clear and consistent communication is key during any crisis, and it’s important to have a plan in place ahead of time. When setting expectations for communication, it’s crucial to discuss the frequency and tone of all updates. This will ensure that all parties involved are on the same page and that important information is properly disseminated. By building a plan ahead of the crisis, you can avoid confusion and stress when it matters most. Remember, communication is the cornerstone of any successful resolution, so take the time to establish your expectations early on.

Make sure everyone is on the same page regarding safety protocols

When it comes to safety protocols, it’s important to ensure that everyone within an organization is on the same page. Transparency is key in achieving this goal – by laying out the protocols in a clear and concise manner, everyone can understand what is expected of them and what they can do to keep themselves and their colleagues safe. This could involve sharing information on everything from proper hand-washing techniques to social distancing guidelines. Ultimately, making sure everyone within a workplace is aware of these protocols is crucial not only to protecting individual health but also to preventing the spread of illness throughout the greater community.

Celebrate successes and show appreciation to boost morale

At work, celebrating successes and showing appreciation can have a huge impact on team morale. It’s important to not only recognize the big accomplishments but also the small victories along the way. According to Axios, an overwhelming 90% of employees say they perform better when they understand how their work contributes to the overall goals. But let’s face it, team recognition events can sometimes feel mundane and forced. That’s why it’s important to make it fun! From team excursions to themed parties, injecting a bit of playfulness can go a long way in boosting team spirits. So let’s take a page from the book of Silicon Valley tech giants and remember that work should also be enjoyable. Celebrate successes, show appreciation, and make it fun!

In times of crisis, communication is more important than ever. Employers have to be prepared to address the challenges that come with communication during a disaster. Creating a plan for communicating with both employees and stakeholders is essential in maintaining safe and efficient operations. Utilizing technology can help employers stay connected with remote workers while meeting expectations for frequency and tone of communication is key in keeping everyone on the same page regarding safety protocols. Celebrating successes and showing appreciation to boost morale should also remain a priority even during the toughest of times. A successful workflow requires preparation, diligence, and plenty of compassion — remember this when implementing your communication plan for disasters.

Here are a few templates to get your communication plan started!