Developing an impactful Works Council Communication Plan is not complicated or time-intensive. Whether you are refining your yearly communication strategy or backing a change effort, a successful plan should encompass intelligent strategies, tactical approaches, well-defined goals, compelling core messages, and a comprehensive analysis to measure the effectiveness of the strategies.
Table of Contents
Vision and Strategy
The communication strategy applies the principle of integrated communication. This means that all communications are carried by the same corporate identity or if applicable with a specific Works Council lay-out. This ensures a unified branding of the core values of the Works Council to radiate to each of the target audiences.
It is important to establish a clear basic structure for communication. This will result in the engagement of employees and the entrepreneur; raising awareness of the different communication channels and means used by the Works Council to communicate the key messages.
The channel and key messages should be evaluated over time. Once the communication system works and minor issues have been solved, it is time to evaluate whether the system is embedded in the company. One of the market practices is to implement a survey to gather feedback. Asking for recommendation and ideas of the staff to will enhance the message to create a ‘feeling of us’ amongst all employees.
Communication and Content
The way the communication should flow is based on the ways of working agreed with the entrepreneur. There are varies communication tools and ways to ensure the correct transfer of information. Examples include participating in onboarding sessions for new hires, contributing to town hall meetings, distributing a Works Council newsletter, and/or contributing to staff magazines.”
There are also many ways to make employees feel more engaged:
- Surprise employees with honest and fun content.
- Connect the communication to an activity or a small gift.
- Write a (monthly or quarterly) newsletter with a combination of company info (not too much) and Works Council related content (Activities performed by the Works Council).
- Create a (digital) magazine about the Works Council.
Works Council Communication Plan Implementation and Evaluation
The implementation phase of the Works Council communication plan consists of:
- Incorporating Works Council’s objectives and themes in the plan.
- Launching the changes or updates via the channels.
- Analysing the results to measure these strategies (amount of employees opened the email, clicked on the link).
- Adjusting channels, revising the content and key messaging.
In conclusion, providing employees with more actionable information, establishing an internal communications plan will bring the Works Council key benefits.
Works Council Communication: Ensuring a Secure Environment
Internal communications are critical when managing a Works Councils’ reputation, particularly when employees have more opportunities than ever to share their experience on social media and review sites like Glassdoor. Keeping employees informed about relevant internal news in a way that makes them feel heard and appreciated encourages them to view their employer considerate and invested in each employee’s success.
Effective internal communication plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the reputation of a Works Council. By consistently sharing internal updates in a manner the Works Council will nurture an environment where employees perceive the Works Council as attentive and committed to represent them at best.
Improve Employee Experience
When employees possess a clear comprehension of the Works Council’s scope and vision, discerning when to seek guidance from HR or their managers, as well as recognising the areas where the Works Council has a presence, they become more inclined to contribute their insights. This not only enriches the organisation but also fosters an environment of active engagement.
Read more about one of the requirements for the Works Council to draw up and publish an Annual Report.
Works Council Course Communication
The course Works Council Communication offers a great learning experience for (newly) elected Works Council members towards representing the interests of the organisation and its employees. By delving into the Works Council’s communication strategy, participants can elevate their understanding and capabilities in this crucial aspect.
You will be equipped with a communication plan and templates to formulate a comprehensive Works Council communication strategy including activities as a Works Council team and engagement techniques with employees. You will draft together tasks, owners, and agree on deadlines to executive communication activities.
The outcome of this practical course aims to cultivate a harmonious and unified Works Council team dynamic, fostering collaboration and ultimately leading to better results for the Works Council and employees. In case you would like to receive more information about the training courses, contact us.
