As firms across the country look to make redundancies due to the recession, HR professionals and management need to communicate clearly and openly with workers, according to HR recruiters.

A recent survey from training provider Learn HR shows that 49% of staff are more anxious about their job than they were this time last year.

Lisa Wormald, director at Network HR Recruitment, told Recruiter that these fears are exacerbated by a lack of communication between HR and the workforce. “One of the biggest criticisms of any organisation, no matter what its size, is its ability to communicate with staff and let them know what’s going on. Where there isn’t communication, that’s where rumour mills start.” she says.

“Human resources function has a clear and open communications strategy. Most good HR professionals and departments will take a very visible approach to HR. In some organisations, HR can be seen as the grim reaper and to avoid that perception HR should be seen as open as inclusive and visible.”

Russell Crawford, managing director at Angel HR, adds that senior management also has a role to play: “It is a matter of building confidence to push forward a positive feeling in a negative environment. Clear communication is very important. You tell the truth and put a positive slant on it. That comes from the top.”