Corporate Communications in a Manufacture Company for Handling Covid-19 Cases: Health First

Abstract

Employee health is essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of this reason, efforts from companies to handle COVID-19 cases internally are needed, which include corporate communications consisting of internal and external communication. The purpose of this study is to obtain an overview and perform an analysis on how a manufacturing company carries out corporate communications in Cilegon City, Indonesia, in handling COVID-cases internally. This research employed a qualitative approach with a case study method and involved several informants consisting of the COVID-19 handling team, employees, and external company parties. The results of this study indicate that the company has anticipated the COVID-19 cases by issuing a COVID-19 Business Continuity Plan (BCP), which includes prevention efforts, team recovery, and procedures for employees whom COVID19 infects. The BCP was communicated and implemented using various communication media such as WhatsApp, email, SMS, telephone, announcement boards, and employee screening cards for internal parties. Meanwhile, for external parties, it was communicated through email, telephone, and WhatsApp. With good internal communications, COVID-19 cases can be prevented, and deaths due to the virus can be avoided. Employees also become more aware of the obligation to comply with the COVID-19 health protocol. With good external communications, handling COVID-19 cases will be faster and more effective as the company can collaborate with other parties.