We've written several times about the challenges of sustaining operations under changing COVID restrictions, and, as we reach what appears to be another turning point in this ongoing crisis, changing circumstances and executive orders are once again impacting organizations across the country.

Further, stress levels continue to seriously influence productivity, not to mention leaving patience strained, all of which leads to an increased threat of reputation troubles popping up seemingly out of nowhere

Forward-looking clients have already begun preparations to communicate what these new changes mean to their workforce and their operations, but that doesn't mean it's too late for everyone else to start!

Most of these messages will include key elements like empathy, clear asks from your audience, and a way for them to get in touch with questions or concerns. In addition to those, though, smart brands will bring one additional key piece of reassurance — that things are hard, but we're making it.

A core tenet of crisis communications is to continue repeating key facts you'd like people to remember, and over the past two years there may be no more important message to pass along than, "we're here for you, we're staying safe, and we're going to pull through together".

Find reasons to put it out there, and make sure you walk your talk afterwards when folks do reach out for clarification, comment or support.

Let's keep keepin' on.

Erik Bernstein
erik@bernsteincrisismanagement.com

Bernstein Crisis Management is a specialized firm dedicated, since January 1994, to providing rapid, highly effective strategies for preventing and managing crisis situations that harm people, property, business continuity, reputation and the financial bottom line. We guide our clients through every step of the crisis management process, from preparation to response, and are available 24/7 for assistance. Our more than 30 years of experience assisting clients worldwide makes us an absolute authority on preventing and responding to crisis situations.

www.bernsteincrisismanagement.com