Strategic Communication in Total Rewards Management (T4/GR9)

Organizations exist in a world of non-stop information and split-second decision-making. Having the capacity to communicate integrated strategies is essential. In the past, organizations relied on communications departments for guidance on how to craft and deliver key messages. Today, all executives need to elevate their communication skills to effectively inform, persuade, and motivate different stakeholders. Strategic communication has many uses and roles, and it provides organizations with a competitive advantage. 

 This course has been designed to provide key concepts of communication theory such as purpose, principles, terminology, and models, as well as an eight-step strategic process that participants can use to design, develop, and implement successful total rewards communication plans. Participants will explore the specific considerations and special situations to consider when communicating total rewards. The course modules provide a balance of theoretical insight and practical application of the concepts, culminating in a case study to help participants solidify the learnings.

Course Objectives:

• Learn the rationale for strategically planning a communication campaign.
• Discuss the characteristics of effective communication.
• Obtain an understanding of the eight steps of the communication process.
• Identify the appropriate communication channel to deliver the message.
• Review specific total rewards communications considerations and special situations.
• Understand how to manage your communication campaign.

Course Outline

MODULE 1 

• Communication Plans and Total Rewards
• Total Rewards 
• The Total Rewards Model  
• Elements of Total Rewards Strategy 
• The Employee Value Proposition 
• The Total Rewards Design Process 
• Communication of TR Programs 
• Discussion
• Design Process of a TR Communication Plan 
• Module Quiz

MODULE 2 

• Fundamentals of Effective Communication 
• Aspects of Effective Communication 
• Communication Models
• Effective Communication 
• Module Quiz

MODULE 3 

• Total Rewards Communication and Special Situations
• Compensation — What to Communicate 
• Compensation Communications — Considerations
• Well-Being — What to Communicate 
• Well-Being Communication — Considerations
• Benefits — What to Communicate 
• Benefits Communication — Considerations
• Development — What to Communicate  
• Development Communication — Considerations
• Recognition — What to Communicate
• Recognition Communication — Considerations
• Communicating the Value of the Employee Value Proposition 
• Reinforcing the Value of the EVP 
• Special Situations
• Working Effectively with External Vendors 
• Working Effectively with Internal Communications
• Total Rewards and Communication 
• Module Quiz

MODULE 4 

• The Strategic Communication Process: Steps 1–4
• The Strategic Communication Process 
• Step 1: Analyze the Situation 
• Step 2: Define the Objectives 
• Step 3: Conduct Audience Research 
• Step 4: Determine Key Messages 
• Case Study — Health Nuts 
• Module Quiz

MODULE 5 

• The Strategic Communication Process: Steps 5–6
• The Strategic Communication Process 
• Step 5: Select Communication Channels
• Exercise214Discussion
• The Strategic Communication Process 
• Step 6: Develop the Communication Plan 
• Module Quiz

MODULE 6 

• The Strategic Communication Process: Steps 7–8
• The Strategic Communication Process 
• Step 7: Implement the Plan 
• The Strategic Communication Process 
• Step 8: Evaluate the Plan 
• Case Study — Health Nuts — Part 2 
• The Strategic Communication Process 
• Managing the Communication Plan
• Module Quiz