SmallBusinessNewz

Just as it is important to be transparent with the outside world and potential customers, the same goes for your business's internal affairs as well. Be transparent with your staff.

This is especially important in these economic times where job security is often uncertain and there is a good chance employees are already exploring other options, even if just as back up plans in the event that they actually do get laid off.

It is all about internal communication and trust. Pete Taylor at Sta.rtUp.Biz has an interesting post up about marketing to employees, and the reasons to do so. Noting that many companies are actually reducing communications just to cut costs, he says that this is the last thing you want to do. Taylor writes:

Branding professionals call your employees your most important brand ambassadors. Marketers call them your strongest word-of-mouth influencers.

Happy employees can have a huge impact on your brand image and the buzz about your product. From conversations with friends, to discussions with existing and potential customers, employees are your front-line marketers. By closing your doors and reducing communications, you allow an environment of uncertainty to thrive. Uncertainty typically leads to speculative thinking and rumors. Don’t allow that to happen. Instead, take control of the conversation and make sure your employees feel valued and confident in their jobs, the brand they represent, and the company as a whole.

Taylor also notes that a couple of good and cheap methods of communication include an internal blog or an e-newsletter. These are certainly fine ideas, but perhaps even cheaper and easier yet is simply to send around regular staff memos via email.

The good news is that most employees are already pretty confident that they will be keeping their jobs, this according to a study from Glassdoor.com. Most don't think the layoffs will happen to them. In fact, they are even expecting bonuses and raises. That's another story altogether, but keeping key employees around when possible should remain a priority for your business.