As we begin to descend from the peak of COVID-19, we still face more unknowns than certainties. What this gives us, though, is choices.
The impact we’ve made as internal communicators during the pandemic should not be underplayed. We’ve rolled up our sleeves to build and deliver timely communications to our many fragmented and fragile audiences against a backdrop of chaos and great uncertainty. We’ve delivered key operational messages to keep our people safe and keep our organisations running. And we’ve thought about our colleagues’ wellbeing and strengthened their connections to our organisations at a time where we all feel so distant. What we’ve done and how we’ve got there should never be forgotten.
But our work is far from over. We now face a long tail, a period of transition where everything will be challenged. We need to keep our focus and use the innovative thinking and urgency of the last few months to help influence and shape the future. This is how and where we can create a legacy that will more likely be permanent.
Our talents will be best used in five areas:
I’m unconvinced that society will be reset wholesale. Capitalism will prevail and I’ll be interested to see how consumer behaviour will change.
Regardless of what the future might look like, that shouldn’t stop us from using our new-found increased influence and stature to improve the world of work. In fact, it’s our responsibility. Not just for ourselves, but for the people keeping our businesses afloat.
‘Emerging from COVID-19: How internal communicators can help shape the evolving work environment‘
18 June | 8:30 - 9:30am GMT | Webinar
Lead behavioural scientist Lindsay Kohler will join the panel, hosted by IoIC London, to explore the coming challenges and opportunities for internal communications.