Has the recession changed your relationship with your workforce?
Tough as this recession has been on a lot of small and medium sized businesses, it has also opened a dialogue between business and workforce that can sometimes be very productive.
Some areas of the country are not doing so bad in the unemployment stakes because large numbers of staff are willing to take cuts to enable others to keep their jobs. These are the unsung heroes, and for some companies the difference between survival and collapse. It is a time of reality and communication. Business needs to build on this relationship and make sure it lasts into the upturn. Staff are less likely to leave, and with better communication, offer more commitment. If everyone feels they have a stake in the company’s future, everyone wins.
It is also vital that the business is noticed in the market place it is operating in. The recession can also be an opportunity to re-access the offering and method of operation.
The brand needs to be something everyone is proud of and are willing to promote. Enthusiastic staff bring happy customers/clients = more profit. Staff can be your biggest advocates or detractors. In a recession no company needs the latter.
One mistake that companies big and small often make is to ignore marketing and prominence of their brand when money is tight. It’s time to be noticed. In a shrinking market clever companies can shine.
Maureen
