Communication - The Rumor Mill

Communication, or a lack of it, can really kick the rumor mill into high gear. And that’s bad for morale. Maintaining open lines of communication between management and employees goes a long way in preventing rumors from circulating in any workplace. People are basically insecure. When rumors start circulating in an office or warehouse, people can become demoralized pretty fast. Fear of losing one’s job can cause paralysis (when it comes to efficiency and productivity). Mistakes will increase in number, and it can hurt your business. Fear can lead to bitterness, which, in turn, leads to sub-standard treatment of your customers. You want to avoid anything that can harm your business. When a contract expires and you know that some of the workforce will be laid off, it is better to be totally up-front about it. Discuss the situation and try to keep your best foot forward. Try to find ways to keep the morale as high as possible. Pick a few key people, who are well liked, to keep you informed of the general perception around the plant or offices. Trying to control rumors is not as easy as addressing people’s fears openly and honestly. It’s better to tell it like it is, but, be sensitive to people’s concerns and try to be helpful during a time of transition. Always remember that rumors will come and go– and they can affect morale– but they are an indication of how people are feeling. Negativity and insecurity are crippling to any organization. By keeping people informed, you might not eliminate all fear, but, you can show that you are doing everything possible to help people, not hurt them. And don’t make anything “personal” or the damage will be much more severe. Keeping people informed is much easier than trying to keep people from starting rumors. Be sincere– people can see right through pretence. If there is any chance at all of recalling some of the workforce in the future, tell them that, too. If you are faced with laying off part of your workforce, keep these things in mind. Keep the lines of communication open.