Effective employee communication is a vital aspect of the employer-employee relationship. It shows employees they are valued by the company; conversely, a lack of communication can make them feel underappreciated, fostering discontentment and low morale. With all the possible channels for communication today, there are plenty of opportunities to supply employees with timely and accurate company news and information.
Using a variety of tactics and channels increases how many employees are reached, and strengthens the connection and overall communication effectiveness.
Technology channels
The speed and convenience of today’s many technology channels make it easier than ever to connect with employees. Among the options:
- Videos (online or broadcast on televisions around the building)
- Blogs (written by CEOs or other executives)
- Podcasts
- Text messages
- Intranet
- Hotline telephone number for emergencies or important announcements
- Newsletters
- Bulletin boards (online or physical)
Face-to-face interaction
It’s important to balance technological channels with face-to-face contact, so that executives and managers stay visible and accessible to employees.
- Company or department-wide meetings
- CEOs or executives walking around chatting with employees
- One-on-one meetings between employees and their direct supervisor
- Lunch & learn sessions
- Health fairs
The value of print in an online world
Many employees benefit from the opportunity to take materials home to discuss with a spouse or trusted adviser. So even if your benefits information is available online, print materials are one of the most effective ways of reaching employees and their dependents. For many, print materials are easier to understand. Further, distributing materials in paper form guarantees compliance with state and federal laws that regulate the distribution of information.
Using various sources of communication
The most effective communication strategies leverage a mix of materials and channels. For example, while online interaction has become a preferred method of communication for many of us, relying on the Internet and email is not optimal for employees whose work doesn’t provide easy access to a computer.
A strong mix both supports different learning styles and provides the reinforcement critical to making an impact.
