The recession is making organizations rethink their strategies on talent and cost management. A Price Waterhouse Coopers study on India  – ‘Rethinking your approach to People: Managing the effects of the Downturn’ among 100 respondents from across Indian industries showcases some of the trends. The top three trends of organizational interventions are: a) 75% revisiting […]
Internal Communication
Is there a common understanding in India of what corporate communications really does?
The Education Times edition of the Times of India dated May 11, 2009 carried an article on Corporate Communications and its role by taking the viewpoint of leading Indian practitioners. Interestingly, there wasn’t a consensus among these leading professionals on what constitutes corporate communication leave alone the roles and responsibilities of the function. The benefits […]
Recession Proof Communication – Ideas To Stay Ahead Of The Downturn
I had the opportunity recently to informally address a group of leaders from a leading IT services provider. Here are thoughts shared with them on recession proofing communication during a downturn and the role of leaders. Much has been written about the slowdown and its impact on our lives. Though there are few suggestions for […]
Looking at improving your internal focus groups? Here are some 'recession-proof' recommendations
Most communicators are involved at some point in their careers in crafting and conducting organizational engagement surveys. Though some are also known to conduct more frequent health checks or focus groups or pulse checks which keep a tab on how employees feel. Recently, on a request to chip in with ideas to enhance the process, […]
Are you losing your best performers in this downturn?
The India Attrition Study 2008 (October 2008- March 2009) conducted by Business Today and People Strong  is out. The May 3, 2009 dated edition of Business Today carries an article on key findings.  The study tried to understand why employees quit and how this current slowdown has impacted the way employers view their employees. […]
A leader’s understanding of external realities key to managing internal communication
 At the Easter Mass on Saturday, the priest in his sermon requested his parishioners to reflect on the meaning of the Holy Week and the realities of the world we live in.     On one hand, he spoke of the sacrifice which Jesus made and then caustically talked of the ‘shoe’ culture we […]
Value feedback or find it on a Discussion Forum!
A mail in our internal informal network caught my attention. It was from an employee upset by the poor service and attitude which his team and he experienced while at lunch at a newly opened restaurant in Delhi. Â What made me sit up was the potential impact of this experience (read: word of mouth/viral […]
Communicating the ‘final lap’ – the missing link?
 A senior human resources professional was perturbed by a mail from the training department calling employees to collect certificates for a prestigious training from an individual’s desk!      The letter had an ‘inhuman’ touch and he was livid comparing it to distributing ‘water bottles’ which had become a rage in the […]
Consistent communication key among best employers in India
The recent 2009 Outlook Business – Hewitt Associates study (the 6th by Hewitt) on Best Employers highlights the importance of communication even in a downturn. Building a sense of urgency, having clearer channels of communication and motivating managers and support staff to give their best in trying times helped propel organizations such as HCL, Hindustan […]
Building visibility and branding for internal teams
This was a rare request – a team lead approached me to share ideas on building an ‘internal brand and image’ for his team. The team responsible for the critical human resources management, performance and employee practices was in the midst of a churn and this manager had come on board to steady the ship. […]