Uncertainty. It’s sending shock waves through organizations and creating stress for employees and their families. Employees wonder: How will changes in government agencies and tariffs affect my company? My wallet? What about my job? College savings for my kids? Can I afford to retire?
No one can predict the future, but clear communication can put the present in perspective and help people navigate the turbulence. Your Employee Value Proposition (EVP) is a good place to start. An EVP represents the full range of benefits—both seen and unseen—that a company provides. It’s everything from salary and perks to culture, opportunities to learn and grow, and how much people feel appreciated.
First, listen. What are your employees thinking and feeling? Consider launching a short survey, online focus group, or town hall to find out. Test the responses against your company’s EVP. Know your employees’ concerns and the words they use to express them.
Start the conversation. Reaffirm the company’s guiding principles and commitment to its people. Let them know how the organization is responding to external forces to maintain the integrity of the brand and remain competitive.
Share the value your company provides. Keep compensation and benefits front and center. Highlight benefits offered at no cost and how the company shares the cost of other benefits to keep them affordable. Include testimonials that highlight how benefits contribute to a sense of security and stability for both employees and their families.
Focus on wellbeing. Remind people about resources such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that can help them manage stress, whether financial, emotional, or family-related. Post links to resources. Don’t forget to mention the company’s commitment to work/life balance with paid time off and wellness programs for both employees and their families.
Uncertainty is all around us. Reaffirming the value of your EVP will help your people refocus on the known and get perspective around the unknown. The O’Keefe Group can help you plan, draft, and design an EVP that will reflect the value of your employer brand and sustain your employees’ commitment.
