By Susan Brown
With less than 90 days until the U.S. elections, the clock is ticking for companies to brace themselves for what will be a chaotic period. The electoral landscape is volatile and unpredictable, with far-reaching implications for business operations, employee morale, and public perception. If you haven’t crafted a plan yet, it’s not too late, but the time for action is now.
Understanding the Stakes
A recent study shows that less than one-third of Fortune 1000 communications leaders feel confident in managing employee pressures around societal issues. The upcoming U.S. elections are set to be a uniquely daunting challenge, with radically divergent approaches to government, the economy, and global conflicts. Regardless of the outcome, the aftereffects will be significant. Leaders must act now to foster inclusive, respectful environments while safeguarding their organizations from disruption and reputational damage.
Preparing for Post-Election Challenges
Building and maintaining a strong crisis management framework is essential. Organizations that regularly test and update their crisis plans ensure their teams are ready to handle potential volatility during the election period. Start immediately by creating and conducting tabletop exercises to prepare for post-election scenarios. These drills should focus on a range of risks, including threats from activist groups, doxing of executives, cyber-attacks, and the potential for both physical harm and business disruption due to protests.
Internal Disruption Needs to Be Factored In
The impact of the election will differ across employee groups, and leaders must be ready to offer support where needed. Training leaders to listen, respond, and redirect conversations is crucial. Proactive communication is key to maintaining workplace harmony and preventing internal conflicts from escalating in such a polarized climate.
What Are the Next Steps to Be Election Crisis Ready?
Top Three Recommendations:
- Engage a Crisis Management Firm: Get expert help to prepare for rapid and effective internal and external communications during the election period – from post-election day through the inauguration and beyond.
- Invest in Mental Health Resources: Provide employees with the support they need to navigate these tumultuous times.
- Train People Managers: Equip managers to handle tough conversations and reinforce company values through coordinated campaigns aimed at preserving workplace civility.
Now is the time to act. The decisions you make today will determine how well your organization weathers the storm of the 2024 elections. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
[Note from Jonathan Bernstein. We’ve been warning clients for the past year or more to prepare for the negative impacts of the coming election on the workplace. Susan Brown does an excellent job of providing succinct, high-impact advice.]
Guest blog by:
Susan Brown
Founder & CEO of Big Impact Communications
[email protected]
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