Employee engagement vital to success during COVID-19

Internal communications can help employees at poultry companies feel safer during the COVID-19 global pandemic, Hinda Mitchell said during the Midwest Poultry Federation Convention's virtual show on August 12.

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mikeledray | Bigstock
mikeledray | Bigstock

Internal communications can help employees at poultry companies feel safer during the COVID-19 global pandemic, Hinda Mitchell said during the Midwest Poultry Federation Convention's virtual show on August 12.

“We, as employers, have to remember that our employees are still struggling. They’re trying to figure out a lot of the same things we, as business owners, are also trying to figure out, including health, financial, childcare and educational considerations. They may be afraid of going back to work and worried about possible COVID-19 exposures,” Mitchell, the President and Founder of Inspire PR Group, explained.

Why employee engagement is crucial

The poultry industry has always struggled with retaining skilled employees. This can become an even greater challenge during a pandemic.

“Employees were essential in March, and they’re still essential today. This is more important than ever because when you have a strong communications program with your team, it’s good for morale, culture, stability and ultimately leads to the growth and success of your business. Without that strong background, you’re not going to have the kind of success you need,” Mitchell said.

“Communicating often and openly fosters trust, transparency and alignment between employees and employers.”

Tips for improving internal communications

Mitchell shared these tips for improving employee engagement through internal communications:

  1. Communicate in digestible quantities
  2. Communicate with them where they are
  3. Be better than you were before
  4. Create meaningful feedback circles
  5. Care for the “whole employee”
  6. Commit to listening
  7. Leverage your internal networks and teams to amplify your message
  8. Flag missteps swiftly and course-correct

“Ultimately, different is the new normal. This pandemic is having a real impact on employees and you can’t just dismiss their fear out of hand. The best way to help them through this is to be a good communicator,” Mitchell concluded.

“Another important thing to keep is mind is that leaders need to be able to see around the corner. This isn’t just about what’s right in front of us, but also about thinking about what we can’t yet see and thinking about how we manage expectations for employees as we’re doing that.”

View our continuing coverage of the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic.

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