Communication or Escalation? The Choice Is Yours

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

“In times of crisis or potential crisis, effective communication is essential. It ensures that a situation is managed rather than escalated. When employees are not informed timely, honestly, and completely, a vacuum forms, quickly filled with rumors and uncertainty. This leads to panic, loss of trust, and unnecessary damage to the organization.” – Frank Hoen, CEO and founder of Netpresenter

A global trade war and looming recession are causing layoffs, mergers, and budget cuts. What once seemed distant is now a harsh reality for organizations worldwide. Pressure mounts, financial survival strategies unfold, and internal crises loom. Precisely then, effective communication becomes indispensable. Communication or escalation? The choice is yours.

How communication makes the difference

Effective employee communication significantly impacts crisis situations. Facts supporting this:

• Avoid panic caused by lack of information: According to CDC guidelines, people automatically assume the worst when they don’t receive information, fueling panic and exacerbating chaos during crises. Effective communication addresses this by providing clarity and alleviating concerns.
• Speed prevents rumors: If internal communication moves too slowly, employees often learn important news first from external sources or colleagues, increasing the risk of misinformation or incomplete facts. When organizations communicate promptly, they remain the primary source of information, building trust and preventing unnecessary unrest.
• Increase trust and retain talent: Effective communication does more than prevent unrest—it strengthens trust in the organization. This trust pays off. According to Sci-Tech Today, organizations with good employee communication are 50% more likely to retain their employees.

The battle for attention: how can your communication compete against Big Tech?

How do you communicate effectively in an age of information overload and fierce competition from platforms like TikTok? The harsh truth is Big Tech also wins in your workplace. Employees spend nearly 2 hours per workday on social media, according to ElectroIQ. The intranet, however? Often just 15 minutes per week, reports Swoop Analytics. While you’re trying to convey a crucial internal message, external platform notifications and algorithms constantly distract your employees.

“We must dare to admit: email and intranet alone no longer meet today’s communication realities. The solution? Create your own communication bubble within your organization,” says Frank.

Just as employees find themselves in social media bubbles, you can create an internal communication bubble. This bubble:

• Shows essential information through push notifications, bringing it directly to employees’ attention;
• Reaches all employees via channels best suited to their roles and locations—such as TVs, PCs, and mobile phones;
• Displays updates tailored by person, role, or team to prevent information overload and unrest;
• Gathers feedback continuously, improving communication and processes;
• Scales up messaging when urgency demands, ensuring necessary actions are taken;
• Sends immediate alerts during highly urgent crises to minimize damage.

Lessons from AMBER Alert and RijnmondVeilig

As co-developer of AMBER Alert Netherlands, Frank knows the power of effective communication: “A single urgent message can mobilize millions within minutes. At Netpresenter, we now apply this technology more broadly—including for RijnmondVeilig. The result: 1.2 million residents can be informed about incidents and required actions within seconds, before rumors spread. If entire regions can be rapidly informed, why leave your own employees in uncertainty?”

The successes of AMBER Alert and RijnmondVeilig demonstrate how effective rapid and accurate communication can be—an eye-opener for many organizations. With the Netpresenter platform, we offer companies this powerful solution, enabling internal crises to be quickly and effectively managed, preventing escalation.

Improve your communication before it’s too late

The conclusion is clear: communication is key to effective crisis management. Good employee communication can either amplify or control a crisis. It’s time to provide clarity and build trust, especially during challenging periods. By investing now in a culture of openness and a robust communication platform, your organization can not only withstand a crisis but emerge stronger.

Sometimes one conversation or demonstration makes all the difference. Perhaps your organization is ready for it. Our experts are here for you—whether you need advisory support or a no-obligation demonstration. Whichever first step your organization chooses, it starts with the decision to take communication seriously.