During the 2009-2010 H1N1 influenza pandemic, employers needed to respond to OSHA requirements that they implement programs to safeguard their workforces. At the request of a large financial services company, Ofstead developed a suite of pandemic response materials that could be licensed by that company and other clients. The suite included policies & procedures, educational pieces, and templates for internal communication about pandemic-related issues.
The audience was largely comprised of young professionals who had reportedly glazed over at the repeated media messaging that was being circulated at the time. In response, the client requested that Ofstead develop materials and approaches specific to a young, highly-educated audience that was skeptical about the recommended methods to control influenza (wash your hands, cover your cough, get vaccinated, stay home if you’re sick).
Thus, we designed educational materials that conveyed information using visual images supported by edgy messaging tailored to the target audience. Ofstead also developed more than a dozen policies & procedures and several communications templates for use by Human Resources. The communications strategy utilized the internet, text messaging, and Twitter to communicate with employees, and the materials included electronic, paper, and video formats.
The educational materials were deployed via email, the company intranet, and posting in unconventional areas (e.g., bathroom stalls and refrigerator doors).
Examples:
Policies & Procedures
Table of Contents
Executive Suite Protocol
Flyers
Illness Management Flyer Catalog
Influenza Prevention Flyer Catalog
“Wash Your Hands” Flyer
“Don’t Be Gross” Flyer
Video
“Follow Your Sneeze”