The car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz is in crisis – and its human resources director has clear words in a video message to employees: “Working hours must become cheaper – in development, sales, administration and also in production,” says Britta Seeger. “The most direct and, in our opinion, fairest way is: We have to work more for the same money in all areas.” Statements that are not in the usual PR style focused on positive aspects and vague developments, but that offer a target for criticism.
The video was not only shared within the Mercedes workforce, but also with SWR. This is also an unusual way of communicating during restructuring. When asked by our editorial team, the car manufacturer announced that it had been created for internal communication with employees. In view of the public reporting and repeated media inquiries, it was made available to the broadcaster in order to “make the original context accessible”. Does this communication style make sense during a restructuring?
