Unsettling times reign as COVID-19 spreads to many parts of the world and the (mis)information explosion makes it hard for people to know whom to believe.
The COVID-19 health crisis has now reached a new critical phase where not just public health organizations but even brands and organizations are under a lot of pressure.
Whilst the emphasis has to be on containing and mitigating the disease itself, the virus is likely to have a significant economic impact on world commerce.
The UAE has already shelved or postponed major events like Dubai International Boat Show, Ultra Abu Dhabi 2020 and ITU World Triathlon; to name a few.
Moreover, passenger traffic from affected countries is restricted and local schools and colleges are shutdown to effectively manage this health crisis.
Though the distribution of masks and hand sanitizers is being undertaken by many organizations, a renewed focus is required when it comes to communicating with audiences, starting with your own employees. The value of accurate, factual communications, in this case, is appreciated. It is important that messages encourage people to be calm yet take precautions. As the virus spreads, so does the risk of misinformation being circulated, and panic being created.
It’s important to start with your internal audiences first. Simple instructions on how to reduce personal risk from The World Health Organization or your local Health Authority would be very helpful. Share information on precautions like washing your hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds and avoid touching your nose, eyes or mouth with unwashed hands, etc. This can be displayed around the office or through internal channels.
As far as business goes, this is the time to hope for the best but plan for the worst. That means putting a ‘contingency plan’ in place in case there is a threat of office closure. Companies need to consider how they will manage operations and communicate necessary changes.
Put business travel plans on hold for all executives and employees. Think of ways to control the loss of business and explore alternate means of communication with potential clients and businesses.
Times are such that along with Internal Communications, you as a brand also need to introspect on concerns like:
COVID-19 outbreak is such that it has raised chaotic concerns due to a lack of access to appropriate information. The risk of infection may be low in the UAE, but viruses can be unpredictable. The key is to prepare now and reassure stakeholders in advance of a crisis striking.
