Clear Message, Safer Spaces: A Safety Communication Overhaul
Clear Message, Safer Spaces: A Safety Communication Overhaul
Tags: Change Management, Communications, Culture Transformation
The Challenge
A large distribution company with multiple warehouses and fulfillment centers was struggling with inconsistent safety practices across its facilities. With approximately 10,000 employees, some of whom were non-native English speakers without regular access to company email or intranet, communicating and implementing new safety standards seemed like a daunting task.
Uncovering the Root
As we dug deeper, it became clear that the existing safety guidelines were overly complex and not tailored to specific locations. The lack of consistent, clear messaging led to confusion, disregard, and poor adherence to safety protocols. Additionally, there was a disconnect between senior leadership’s safety priorities and front-line workers’ day-to-day practices.
The Transformative Approach
To address these challenges head-on, we developed a change management and communications plan. The approach included:
- Creating a stakeholder analysis to understand the needs and preferences of different groups, from warehouse workers to site managers and safety teams.
- Developing key messages tailored to each stakeholder group, emphasizing what they needed to know, how we wanted them to feel, and what actions we needed them to take.
- Designing a multi-phase rollout plan, from initial awareness to full implementation and reinforcement.
- Utilizing a diverse range of communication channels, including in-person briefings, multilingual posters, digital displays, email newsletters, and town halls.
Driving Real Results
The carefully orchestrated change management plan led to significant improvements:
- New safety standards were successfully communicated to all employees across all facilities by the end of Q2.
- Managers were equipped with the tools and training to effectively communicate and reinforce new safety messaging.
- Customized safety marketing materials were developed and made readily available to all locations.
- A streamlined ordering process for safety materials was implemented, along with training on how to use it.
- An accountability system was put in place to ensure timely replacement of old safety messages with new, targeted communications.
The initiative had far-reaching effects on the company culture:
- Employees at all levels felt more engaged and valued, as the communications plan ensured everyone understood the reasons behind the changes and their role in creating a safer workplace.
- The multilingual approach and use of various communication channels ensured that all employees, regardless of their position or language, had access to critical safety information.
