I recently had the opportunity to address a group of leaders from a leading IT services provider. Here are thoughts shared with them on recession proofing communication during a downturn and the role of leaders. During a recession, organizations make knee jerk reactions based on how they see the markets panning out which can be detrimental to employee morale and customer engagement. Organizations go after support functions and resize and reduce budgets, freeze benefits, curtail training and avoid engaging with employees. Very often, in their quest to get ‘leaner’ and ‘sharper’, organizations lose the ‘human’ touch’. Employees have good memories and these actions are always held against the business. I am aware of organizations cutting down on something as basic as toilet paper but allowing off sites at external venues to continue. Not surprisingly, trust is eroding for senior leadership (according to Edelman’s Trust Barometer) and organizational communication tools. To summarize, the global downturn has posed numerous challenges for organizations and employees alike. That said, downturns may not last, but organizations that communicate effectively will. It is important to focus on the positives, craft consistent messages, reinforce often, communicate directly and focus on the positives while involving employees. Last but not least, it is vital for organizations to revisit the core of their existence and the core values that will sustain them in the long run.