In a Crisis, Manage the Grapevine

Reaching out to employees to communicate the importance of managing their 401(k) savings can be difficult when there is widespread panic. All anyone has to do is turn on the news to be reminded of the volatility in the market right now.

But there are steps employers can take to educate employees on how to manage their savings and alleviate some fears.

In addition to manager and general employee communications programs, you can use the grapevine.

The drivers of the grapevine are opinion leaders. These are the employees who have emerged as leaders within the organization, drive the culture and are well-connected with employees. These people can be found at all levels of the organization.

An effort can be made to identify this group and target messages with the intent that the information will informally get out to the masses.The group can be equipped with information on how to deal with  emotions that are running high and how to help employees seek additional resources and information.

And with tact, there is no need to create the medium. The grapevine already exists. It just needs the right message injected into it. 

Comments

[Karen]

Well put. Proactive is the word here but, unfortunately, the grapevine can be gnarly sometimes.

[Cathy]

Well put. It's amazing how the grapevine can misinterpret facts.

[Christine Miller]

Karen,
Yes, the grapevine can be gnarly. Just think of how much unmanaged information travels through it. Powerful stuff.

Cathy,
knowing what's in the grapevine can be very useful in identifying when those facts are so off base they may be damaging to morale. Tough to monitor, but there are methods to keep an ear on the vine.

[Jennifer Waldron]

The grapevine is one of those facts of life that you can't ignore. It started with the cavemen and is still true today. The only way yo manage it is to get your message out clearly. It's also good for someone to have their ear to the ground, listening for falsehoods. Forming an employee feedback committee, or something along those lines, can help.