The importance of hiring a communications team for your business’ long-term success

When the COVID-19 pandemic first erupted, businesses globally were plunged into a new way of working, which has now become the ‘new normal’. 

Leaders and marketing managers have been forced to manage the uncertainty and adapt to new ways of communicating externally, as well as build strategies to engage and strengthen connections with employees.

Right now, it’s never been more important for businesses to prioritise building an effective communication strategy. With the stark rise in the adoption of digital technology and the changing world of work, a quality communications team will be key for continually building those all-important relationships internally and externally.

Engaging a hybrid workforce

Internal communication is vital for the success of any business. How a company communicates with individuals and departments determines overall morale and culture.  Research has shown that productivity increases by 20 to 25 per cent in businesses where employees feel connected to the organisation. Having an internal communications strategy is important for facilitating loyalty across a business, increasing retention, and inspiring staff to work to the best of their ability. Your internal communications team is responsible for connecting and engaging employees and creating a branded experience across locations, functions and now, crucially, remotely. 

As businesses grapple with hybrid working, it is essential do develop an internal communications strategy that works for all, is inclusive, and is onboarded across the organisation. An internal communications strategy must be intentional and well-planned with a clear vision that reflects the employer brand.

Communicating your employer brand

It’s widely understood that the pandemic has radically changed the job market and there is now much more competition for talent. In a world where you could work anywhere, and pay is as important as location or culture, effectively communicating your employer brand and working practices is essential.

When we are selling a role, it is the nuances of your company and branding that are sold the most; competitive pay must be a given. 
 

Reputation management

To meet the challenges of the modern world of work, companies need to build a highly skilled external communications team. These professionals understand how to support everything from product launches, to reputation to crisis communications, with a focused strategy that leverages a variety of different channels.  
 
In an age where there’s more uncertainty and greater scrutiny, there’s now a substantial need for a strong corporate brand and to provide transparent communication to help sustain a positive image. The way in which a business plans to navigate the post-pandemic world and the level of commitment to employees plays a massive role in the perception of an organisation. 

The benefit of having a communications team is that these professionals can execute a strategic communications plan to control and manage a business’ reputation, whilst also managing crisis communications. The advent of new digital platforms means there are many monitoring tools that businesses can use to manage their reputation. Businesses must take ownership of their reputation and ensure messaging is relevant for both employees and the public. Above all, with the right expertise, the communications team can pave the way for the long-term success of any business.

Environmental, Social and Governance

The importance of ESG issues have rocketed up the priority list for corporates in recent years. Consumers and investors are demanding that businesses develop more sustainable products and build accountability in to their value chain. Deloitte recently researched the impact of the pandemic on consumer attitudes to sustainability. They found that 32% of consumers are highly engaged with adopting a more sustainable lifestyle and that 28% of consumers have stopped buying certain products due to ethical or environmental concerns.

An ESG strategy is essential therefore, as is a communications team to deliver its messages and to communicate the organisation’s sustainability progress. When leaders address sustainability and share their challenges, they can build more credibility from stakeholders and customers, as well as engage employees, whilst helping to drive positive change. 

How can EMR help your business?

In the business world, managing perception is crucial for building a positive reputation as an employer and it helps people effectively engage with your business. At EMR, we have an excellent team of consultants with significant experience in recruiting professionals for communications roles. We’ve developed strong relationships with clients and many senior candidates, and we recruit for roles in internal communications, investor relations and PR. Contact us today for more information and keep reading our blog for further insights.