You can put a positive spin on even the hardest of situations though. Don't risk damaging employee morale—here are a few suggestions ISM recommends for welcome-back employee pep rallies:
- Be forward and direct about the obstacles your school is facing. During employee meetings, orientations, and welcome-back staff rallies, address employees honestly about the hurdles, and be open and empathetic to concerns.
- Show your employees the financial reasons why the changes that have been made, were made. Showing them exactly why you have to do this will help prevent negative views. Don't dilute the facts—be direct, honest, and as positive as possible.
- If and when delivering "down" financial news, make sure there is a positive conclusion. Rally everyone's spirits by driving home the message, "we're all in this together. We will get over this hurdle, thrive, and in the future celebrate our victory."
- Publish highlighted changes to employee benefits (health benefits, retirement plans, etc.) in employee newsletters for several consecutive months. Also, reinforce changes at meetings for a few months, or if you don't feel comfortable repeating changes, leave an open floor for any questions that may have come up regarding recent changes. Or ask your insurance carrier's representative to explain the medical plan to employees either as a group or in one-on-one appointments.
Communicating reduced benefits has been a topic that has recently been brought to our attention from several readers, one in particular who questioned if surveying employees for the benefits they value most was a good idea. Our HR consultant, Michael Brisciana, replied. Read below to see what he suggests.
