How HR professionals can use PR
As an HR professional, you are working every day to set your organisation up well. Not only to make sure it is a pleasant workplace for everyone who works there, but also to create an attractive environment for jobseekers. For this, communication, or more specifically, stakeholder management, is a crucial part. And that's where Public Relations comes in. Find out in this blog how HR can make PR work for them.
As the abbreviations suggest, HR and PR are not that far apart. Whereas Human Resources is dedicated to keeping potential and current employees happy, Public Relations focuses on creating and maintaining good relations with all stakeholders. Through communication, that is. That's where PR can help HR. Below are three specific ways HR professionals can use PR.
HR and PR go hand in hand in employer branding
A strong employer image is essential to attract high-quality candidates. This starts with being a good employer, but a well thought-out PR strategy can also be invaluable here. By generating and spreading positive media coverage about the company as an employer, your organisation creates an attractive image for potential candidates. Think of press releases about striking terms of employment, attention to social commitment or sharing inspiring employee stories. Put simply: HR makes sure you are the nicest employer, PR brings this to the attention of the right target groups.
HR Public Relations increases employee engagement
Although HR is often confused with recruitment, retaining and motivating current employees in particular is an important core responsibility of the department. Here, too, PR can play a role. It is not only important to manage your external reputation, but also to cultivate internal engagement. Through internal PR initiatives such as newsletters, intranet posts and company events, you can keep employees informed about company developments, successes and achievements. This strengthens their sense of commitment and pride, which in turn contributes to employee motivation and retention.
In times of crisis, it is not HR vs PR
No matter how well you design the working environment, as an HR professional you can always end up in unexpected crisis situations. Examples include work accidents, layoffs, industrial disputes, transgressive behaviour or other challenging situations. At such times, an effective PR crisis plan can be valuable. It allows you to maintain control over all communications, convey the right message and minimise any reputational damage. You make sure you say everything you need to say, and especially don't say what is awkward. If you don't have a crisis communications expert in-house, a professional PR agency can support in dealing with difficult situations and ensure that your organisation remains resilient. Even, or especially in challenging times.
HR and PR: a match made in heaven?
It seemed almost too good to be true: two abbreviations that sound so much alike also complement each other nicely. Together, Public Relations and Human Resources are a powerful combination for the success of your employees and thus your organisation. PR helps build and maintain a positive reputation, both internally and externally. It strengthens your employer image, motivates employees and provides a crisis management plan. Consider the benefits of a strong PR strategy and let your organisation excel on the job market as well as within the company walls. Together, we will make you the top employer everyone knows.
Wondering how you as an HR professional can use PR?
We can help! Leave your details here or contact Thomas Bekker, on +31 (0)6 1932 8584 or thomas@mediatic.eu/en.
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