That a permanent and fluid internal communication is essential to the proper functioning of a company, it has always been unanimous and unquestionable. However, it is in unprecedented contexts like the one we live in now that leaders and brands see themselves forced to think far beyond the expectable. And, although it was already possible to envision it soon, we suddenly woke up in a very different world, finding ourselves obliged to adapt in days or weeks models and work routines implemented decades ago. Now, in the incoming times, no organization will be able to grow, or even survive, if it does not know how to actively and genuinely engage its employees and teams in solving the profound organizational challenges that are coming – or that are already here. Sharing, proximity, sincerity and understanding: these are some of the pillars of a consistent and credible communication (here, both internally and externally). In a period in which social distancing and remote work have become the norms, we must “deconfine” the best in us, our humanity, listening more to others and participating in frank and open dialogues (not monologues!). One thing is certain: in person or virtually, all those who can quickly learn from this period will win. And that is exactly what the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca did: it brought together 11.000 employees from 70 different countries in an online event and invited them to share their ideas and discuss important aspects for the future of the organization.
Photo by Windows on Unsplash