Dear Shilpi,
These are the times when CEOs/Team Heads should be seen & heard most by the employees.
I think you can follow what I did in my Organization:
A small meeting of employees with the CEO himself where he expalined to them about the current scenario & what he expects in terms of contribution & endurance from each employee.
Post that meeting one mail was sent to all Team Heads for their cooperation on the same. The mail read as follows:
Dear (Team Head),
As you are aware of the prevailing economic scenario, we need to work as a strong & more efficient team to sustain & develop in the Industry. To a large extent the aim should be to stand apart in the Industry by not following the current routes (such as layoffs, etc.) which are so prevalent rather we will focus on being doubly efficient & putting in extra efforts. In sync with the expectations of the Management & also keeping in mind the need of the hour would recommend the following steps to be taken for development of the Organization:
- <LI style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: #333333; LINE-HEIGHT: 14.4pt">The team members should be candidly briefed on the expectations of the Organization in the tough times. <LI style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: #333333; LINE-HEIGHT: 14.4pt">Out of turn appraisals should be avoided at any cost as it will add to the extra / unnecessary cost. As we are also trying our best to review & apprise those who fall under the normal review cycle. <LI style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: #333333; LINE-HEIGHT: 14.4pt">Innovative methods of motivation (non-monetary) can be discussed & implemented.
- Teams should be aware & convinced of the reasons for regular exercises (such as picnics etc) being put on hold (although temporarily) as we are trying to focus & combat the grave concerns.
This is an opportunity for the team members to show case their true potential & dedication towards their role.
I assure my complete support & cooperation towards the same.