By Stephanie Osorno, Marketing Copywriter at Alertus Technologies

It’s hard to believe that several months have gone by since the world was turned upside down by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Organizations across the world have had to quickly shift their focus and messaging strategies, and many employees are now navigating a new virtual working routine.

There are so many questions—and so many unknowns. What is your organization doing to minimize business disruption and maintain engagement with employees, both essential and nonessential, during this unusual circumstance? 

As your organization continues to adjust to the changes brought on by this unprecedented crisis, staying connected with your employees and staff should be at the top of your to-do list. Take a look at some of the reasons why investing in internal communication is more important than ever before.

1. Communicate Regularly and Often 

With a dispersed working environment made up of employees at home and in the office, sending mass emails isn’t enough to stay regularly connected. This is the time to explore alternative, reliable methods of communication for frequent and timely communication alerts.

Alertus Desktop™ Notification, for example, is a great tool for unified organizational communication with essential and remote employees. Depending on your unique notification needs, you can instantly keep your organization informed with relevant changes, updates, and company announcements by sending an alert directly to their desktop computer. Desktop alerting comes with the option for full-screen or partial-screen desktop pop-ups, or a less intrusive ticker alert for critical, yet non-emergency messages such as COVID-19 preventative tips.

These desktop notifications will allow you to immediately capture the attention of your employees without worrying about the message getting overlooked or lost in a crowded email inbox. While you may not have all the answers that employees are seeking, maintaining transparency with a regular flow of communication will help to reduce panic and keep everyone on the same page—even from a distance. 

2. Boost Company Morale

It’s a strange, unfamiliar time for employees. Many are adapting to a new work from home routine while taking on additional challenges, such as homeschooling kids. And with so much uncertainty about returning to a regular working environment, it can become incredibly overwhelming and defeating. 

Be proactive about boosting company morale by offering work from home tips, daily affirmations, and perhaps positive or even funny quotes to help employees stay productive and focused amid the chaos.

It may not be the kinds of communications your organization has become accustomed to sending out in the past, but letting your employees know that you are committed to their success is crucial for business continuity. 

3. Promote and Encourage Employee Well Being

Even though working from home has its perks, the lack of social interaction among coworkers can result in a very isolated experience. In addition, many find that they are working overtime and struggling to balance their personal and professional lives. Paired with the discouraging daily news and rising death tally, this can really take a toll on a person’s well being. 

Take this opportunity to promote positive behavior by sharing a wide range of health tips, including exercising often, drinking plenty of water, and taking frequent breaks. You could even ask employees to offer their own health tips so that you can provide a variety of positive options and perspectives for self-care. 

Spend some time thinking outside of the box and getting creative with your unique organizational communication. Remember, your communications can be both informative and supportive. 

4. Communicate about Work Transitions

Transitioning back to a regular working routine will require some extensive planning and safety protocols. Use your internal communication platform to ease employees back into it efficiently and successfully. 

For instance, as you begin the process of phasing specific organizational teams or departments back to the building, you can send a quick desktop alert such as, “The HR Department will return to the office on June 15th. Stay tuned for ongoing departmental updates.” You can communicate about new policies and processes as well. 

And to ensure that you are reaching employees even when they are away from their desktops, you could send out an instant mobile app alert using the Alertus Mobile App Suite, which includes the Alertus Activator App and the Alertus Recipient App.

5. Maintain a Positive Company Culture

You may not be physically together on a daily basis, but that doesn’t mean you can’t maintain a positive company culture from afar. Putting an emphasis on company culture, collaboration, and comradery is vital right now when employees are likely feeling disconnected and disengaged. 

Organize monthly town hall meetings where everyone can feel united as a team, and host virtual company dinners or happy hours. You can then send friendly reminders such as, “Town hall meeting starting in 10 minutes!” or “Will you be joining us tonight? Can’t wait to see you all virtually!” through a desktop ticker notification. 

The reminder message will give employees something exciting to look forward to, and serve as motivation for getting them through the day.

Be sure to join us for Alertus’ upcoming “How to” Webinar series—a multi-session series filled with helpful insight and tips on maintaining productivity and staying in sync with your organization. You can register here!