HR communications strategy changing in downturn, research reveals

Close to 70 per cent of HR departments have said they will change theway they communicate with their staff as a result of the current economic climate.

The research looking at HR strategy in the coming year revealed that while 78 per cent of HR budgets were being frozen or cut, 80 per cent said they would increase the amount they invest in face-to-face meetings.

Other communications avenues were discussed and 60 per cent said they intended to spend more on their company intranets in 2009.

Commenting on the results of the survey, Lesley Allman, managing director of Allman Communication, said: "Organisations are considering how best to communicate with their employees during hard times and
tailoring their plans and spend accordingly."

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Mr Allman said this was "promising news" as companies that took the time to "maintain employee engagement" were more likely to survive the economic downturn and be successful as the situation improves.

The survey also revealed that 22 per cent of HR departments were planning to increase their spend on events such as conferences.