Wow! eBook
Internal Communication in Times of Crisis: How to secure employee trust, support and advocacy in crisis situations
Author(s): Alison Arnot (Author)
- Publisher: Kogan Page
- Publication Date: July 29, 2025
- Edition: 1st
- Language: English
- Print length: 240 pages
- ISBN-10: 1398620599
- ISBN-13: 9781398620599
Book Description
How can senior leaders leverage internal communication to steer their organizations confidently through a crisis?
Internal Communication in Times of Crisisis a strategic, authoritative guide for executives and communication professionals responsible for reputation, resilience, and crisis recovery. Written by Alison Arnot, it provides practical tools for shaping and delivering informed, strategic internal communication that protects people and performance, and stabilizes and strengthens the organization when it matters most.
Drawing on data-led frameworks, strategic models and expert interviews, this book equips you to lead with clarity under pressure and deliver measurable impact in challenging times. You’ll learn how to:
– Anticipate risks and design proactive crisis communication strategies
– Align messaging with human needs, leadership objectives and enterprise priorities
– Equip leaders and line managers to deliver consistent, informed communication
– Use data to measure impact, strengthen trust and capture ROI
– Build resilience through transparency and sustained employee engagement
Featuring real-world examples and insights, this book shows how effective internal communication is critical to enhancing reputation, resilience and recovery in the most challenging times.
Themes include: crisis communication, internal communication, crisis leadership, organizational resilience, strategic communication, employee engagement, internal crisis communication, data-led decision making
Editorial Reviews
Review
“
The perfect handbook for anyone trying to understand the role of internal communication in a crisis. The frameworks outlined will help anyone in an organisation navigate a crisis – communication professional or not.
While there is no one size fits all for a crisis, the book captures many of the nuances that need to be considered for leaders when it comes to maintaining relationships with employees.
This book is a great blend of academic theory, practical experience and frameworks you can apply straight away.
” ― Jenni Field, leadership credibility and organisational communication expert
“
The practicality of Alison Arnot’s approach – backed by deep personal experience – shines through, covering all the key elements of effective crisis comms: from crisis categorisation, internal audience understanding and strategy to content creation, channel selection, leadership communication, internal listening and self-care.
‘Internal Communication in Times of Crisis’ will be invaluable in encouraging practitioners to think more strategically about the internal elements of their crisis comms, while providing practical, meaningful tools for putting that strategy into action.
” ― Rod Cartwright, advisor on risk, crisis, reputation and resilience and Founder at Rod Cartwright Consulting
“Alison’s practical guide to internal communication in times of crisis creates confidence for communication professionals. In a crisis, internal communication is often an afterthought, but Alison’s book is full of actionable advice to implement today. The inspirational stories and hints and tips make this an ideal book to help you plan or oversee crisis communication.” ― Rachel Miller, Founder, All Things IC and author of Internal Communication Strategy
“Alison has put the spotlight firmly on an often-overlooked part of crisis communication. She carefully brings together her own experiences with the views and thoughts of those involved in crisis response and academic research. This is a vital book that delves into the human impact of crisis through the lens of employees.” ― Amanda Coleman, crisis communication specialist, consultant and author of Crisis Communication Strategies
“
Drawing on current and recent writings, Alison’s own real-life experiences and interviews with practitioners, she provides a framework for understanding how crises develop inside organisations and ideas on how to respond when the worst happens. The book explores preparation, explains how the internal communicator’s audience insight comes into play and works though the stages of an unfolding event.
This beautifully written book is packed full of useful suggestions and ideas which experienced and novice practitioners alike will value.
” ― Liam Fitzpatrick, Change communications author and advisor
“
Alison offers clear, actionable insights, helping internal communicators navigate the challenges of crisis communication at every stage – from preparation and response to recovery.
What sets this apart is Alison’s 7S framework that starts with people’s core needs and expands to support the organisation as the crisis evolves. It’s a structured, people-first approach that helps communicators lead with clarity, empathy, and confidence in times of uncertainty. This book is more than a guide; it empowers internal communicators to be strategic, responsive, and resilient when it matters most.
” ― Nafisa Ali Shafiq, Co-Chair of CIPR Inside, Internal Communications Lead at Yorkshire Housing
“A crisis is a crisis, but failing to plan for one is on you. Alison’s book is essential for any communication professional ready to take charge and guide their organisation through the darkest moments. With internal communication rightly placed at the heart of crisis response, she presents a serious subject in an engaging and accessible way. What struck me most was the focus on people – the needs of the survivors. Crisis preparation has always proven its worth to me, and Alison shows you how.” ― Monique Zytnik, author of Internal Communication in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, communication strategist, and IABC EMENA Chair
