What Communicators and HR Can Learn from the Recent Jobs Report

Previously published on August 8, 2024 in

What communicators and HR can learn from the recent jobs report

Whenever the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases a jobs report, business leaders take notice.

The most recent report, released last week, stated that the American economy added 114,000 jobs in July —a marked drop from the 310,000 jobs added this past March and less than last July’s mark of 184,000 jobs.

Is this data a sign of a recession or a hiring freeze? While time will tell, these waning job numbers are likely to cause speculation among employees about whether their jobs are safe. That’s where communicators and HR pros come into play.

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Ted Birkhahn, managing director at Vested, said that communicators should be in leaders’ ears to ensure their messages capture the right balance between what’s best for the company and its culture.

“When it comes to a slowdown in hiring or layoffs, the communications must convey how leadership’s decisions and actions protect the business’s long-term viability,” Birkhahn said.

“In some circumstances, leaders can frame the message about slowing hiring around positioning the company to respond effectively and be in the best possible position to rebound when business conditions improve.”