After watching Southwest Airlines emerge largely unscathed from its first fatal plane accident, DPK Public Relations asks the question: do you think your organization has established the reservoir of goodwill necessary to weather this type of intense public scrutiny?
The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Research Foundation''s report, "Best Practices in Employee Communication: A Study of Global Challenges and Approaches," points to severe gaps in employee communications. But you can make a difference.
When Salvador Tapia, a disgruntled former employee walked into the Chicago wharehouse where he worked until six months before and killed six former co-workers, we all were reminded how a crisis can hit any organization at any time. As is frequently the case, this tragedy may prompt some organizations to evaluate their own policies and procedures. Unfortunately, the review usually focuses on security rather than on the human elements that contribute to workplace outbursts. If your organization is considering what it can do to prevent workplace violence, I hope you, as the public relations advocate in the room, speak up. Public relations pros have plenty to offer for an organization tyring to assess its vulnerabilities, identify areas for improvement and act on those findings. This is the essence of issues management. Besides, if your organization determines that changes are necessary, the communication initiatives that …
The anniversary of September 11 will trigger a range of emotions among workers and public relations practitioners should carefully consider how their companies acknowledge the lasting impact of the terrorist attacks. The National Mental Health Association suggests taking the following actions: Mark the day in some way and make sure all employees are invited to participate. Work in the weeks leading up to the anniversary to educate supervisors and managers about the signs of emotional distress and available mental health resources. Be sensitive to religious and cultural diversity in all communications and encourage corporate leadership to state clearly the company''s position on dealing swiftly with allegations of intolerance. Encourage communication among employees by providing a comfortable environment for them to gather. Host a community event such as collecting clothing for a shelter in order to do something positive for others, …
During this time of tight budgets, many employers have dramatically reduced their internal communications initiatives. A recent study indicates they may be making a mistake. The Corporate Credibility and Employee Communications Survey, published by the Society for Human Resource Management, is blunt about what is at stake for corporations. “At a time when public distrust of big business is at an all time high, organizations should strive to appreciate and place a high value on their employees.” The survey found that employees generally believe their companies are doing a good job of showing appreciation for their employees. Fifty-nine percent rate their company “very good” or “good.” When HCA-Gulf Coast Division asked Dan and his team to design and implement an internal campaign, they understood the consequences. Hit by a serious nursing shortage, they needed to make sure HCA’s nurses felt …