How to Communicate Effectively About Coronavirus With Staff and Customers

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has greatly impacted communities across the globe. To help during this challenging time, Verdin offers five steps for developing an effective emergency communications plan for your business or organization.

Get the facts. Before creating any kind of message about the Coronavirus, do your research. Get the most up-to-date information about the virus from a reliable source, such as your county public health department or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Have a plan. Meet with key individuals in your organization or business to discuss what you need to say to your employees and customers.
Craft your message. Use simple, clear language that communicates important information, such as closure dates or changes to business hours. Stay calm and be compassionate, but avoid using words that could create a strong emotional reaction among recipients. Lastly, make sure to have someone else proof your work.
Deliver your message. Use your website, social media channels, and e-newsletter, as well as traditional signage or recorded phone messages, to communicate with your employees and customers.
- Verdin suggests creating a banner or box on your homepage to post updates related to the Coronavirus, as well as an FAQ section or automated form for submitting questions and concerns.
- Consider sending an e-newsletter checking in with your customers about the Coronavirus and explaining how it is impacting your organization or business. Employees can receive an in-house e-mail.
Assess and adjust as needed. As the impact of the Coronavirus continues to fluctuate, take stock of your messaging and adapt it, as needed, to meet the needs of your organization, employees and customers.

Let us know if we can help you put together a crisis plan or messaging to support you during this unprecedented time! E-mail your account manager or Mary. We are here to help.

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has greatly impacted communities across the globe. To help during this challenging time, Verdin offers five steps for developing an effective emergency communications plan for your business or organization.

Get the facts. Before creating any kind of message about the Coronavirus, do your research. Get the most up-to-date information about the virus from a reliable source, such as your county public health department or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Have a plan. Meet with key individuals in your organization or business to discuss what you need to say to your employees and customers.

Deliver your message. Use your website, social media channels, and e-newsletter, as well as traditional signage or recorded phone messages, to communicate with your employees and customers.

Verdin suggests creating a banner or box on your homepage to post updates related to the Coronavirus, as well as an FAQ section or automated form for submitting questions and concerns.

Consider sending an e-newsletter checking in with your customers about the Coronavirus and explaining how it is impacting your organization or business. Employees can receive an in-house e-mail.

Assess and adjust as needed. As the impact of the Coronavirus continues to fluctuate, take stock of your messaging and adapt it, as needed, to meet the needs of your organization, employees and customers.

Let us know if we can help you put together a crisis plan or messaging to support you during this unprecedented time! E-mail your account manager or Mary. We are here to help.