It’s been a tough year. The economic situation seems to be improving yet, corporate leadership is stressed and employees constantly squeezed. All-in-all one thing seems to remain true – honest, straightforward communication from the top down is imperative to keep the peace during this temporary insanity we call the recession. All employee team members deserve (and demand) to know what is really going on with the companies they count on for their livelihood. In the recent past, it wasn’t that uncommon for leadership to inform their employees that they no longer had jobs and the business is closing as of today. This sort of maneuver is so 2009.

A Look Forward
For the brighter days ahead in 2010, communication has to lift the spirit, fit into an ever-shrinking budget, not disrupt an employee’s workday and is ultimately environmentally responsible. If that wasn’t enough, it should also communicate timely information with the honesty and sincerity that your team and clients deserve. What’s the answer? At Realm, we think video.

Reality TV Turns Into Relationship TV
With droves of viewers flocking home to watch reality TV and browse their favorite YouTube channels, more raw, homemade video production has become accepted in the industry. At Realm, we’ve always used video as a weapon in the communications arsenal but typically, video production was cost prohibitive. It was also technically hard to find suitable playback environments without huge investments or corporate security concessions. Aesthetically, standard corporate video production felt a little disingenuous, plastic and even fake. Scripting down to every word made for a well-orchestrated video, but did not allow viewers to feel what the relationship between the executive and employee (or client) was really all about.

However, today video has turned into a fast, economical way for corporations to quickly and efficiently push out critical information to employees and clients. It’s about creating a deeper relationship. Starting an ongoing and open conversation that communicates “you are a part of the team; an integral means to a better end.” Employees feel that they are empowered to help “row the boat,” not just ride in it. Inclusive language that sets the stage that leadership and employees are in this together and a part of the solution is what people in today’s workforce really crave. Ownership.

I See Tools and Tech Everywhere
Great tools, tech and easy-to-use interfaces have made this all possible. Not only can you pick up great quality HD video cameras for a song, the software needed to import, edit, animate and compose has become less expensive and easier to use. On another front, the hosting environments needed for online playback has become more accessible and less expensive, too. Bonus.

The Bottom Line
Many corporations have clammed shut during the recession and kept their employees in the dark about where the company is going. What’s really needed is regular, sincere dialogue with your employees and customers. Let them truly know what’s going on. Not the churched up, corporate speak, Hollywood want-a-be kind, but something real, sincere and believable. Your employees and customers deserve to have a relationship with the leaders of the companies in which they work and do business. Let them see who you really are. It will build trust and ease the tensions that are rampant in today’s break rooms.