Effective Communication Strategies for Navigating Change in the Gaming Industry

In a recent presentation at the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit, veteran games industry communications expert Cat Channon discussed the crucial role of effective communication in managing change within the gaming industry. With over 30 years of experience, including her tenure as EA's vice president of global corporate communications, Channon has developed a deep understanding of the cultural nuances that influence communication and its impact on employees. She highlighted the need for leaders to consider the human and emotional implications of change, which can often be overlooked in the face of pressing business decisions. Channon emphasized that clear, consistent, and authentic communication is key to mitigating the negative effects of change and promoting a positive response from employees. She outlined several types of change that can affect the workplace, including changes in management, restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, policy changes, and real-world events such as wars and pandemics. Channon also discussed the importance of considering the impact of change on business aspects such as share price, reputational risk, talent retention, employee engagement, business development, and continuity. To effectively communicate through change, Channon recommended five strategies: testing the thinking behind the change, having a meticulous plan, getting the story straight and sticking to it, considering the needs of the audience, and thinking about the timing of communications. She concluded by stressing the importance of considering the human impact of change, bringing in communications partners early, testing the thinking, making a plan and sticking to it, and considering the audience's needs.