Communication is key to staff happiness
Feel like your workplace internal communication could do with a do-over? When any business can provide positive communication, staff are more likely to feel valued, cared for and appreciated.
Have an internal communications content strategy
This lack of strategy and planning is alarming as an internal communication system without a clear-cut plan is bound to fail.
A thoroughly planned strategy can do wonders for your workplace internal communication initiatives.
Start by reviewing your current strategy, then identify your audience to ensure that your employees get the correct information at the right time. Finally, make sure to devise reasonable timelines for planning, creativity and execution to set yourself up for success.
Profile your business
Staff profiles tell the story of every member of your workplace. It’s a great way to create a community and show your employees and customers that they are proud to showcase their expertise and powers. It is also a great way to bring together remote employees and allow employees to network – inside and outside your business.
Practice Positive Communication
Encourage all staff to practice positive communication behaviours such as upward voice, open information sharing, unique information sharing, and effective socio-emotional exchanges with coworkers. These communication behaviours support employees to connect to encourage trust, commitment, innovation, team performance, and inclusion.
Be sure to communicate change.
When employees don’t understand why changes are happening, it can obstruct ownership and commitment, resulting in friction or pushback. Managers and business leaders are generally responsible for changes, so it’s their responsibility to lead change and spend time explaining to staff why the changes are happening and why they are essential.
Other ways to communicate change is to:
- Try to reinforce face-to-face executive communications.
- Involve staff in the changes from the beginning
- Give your team leaders the tools and information they need to disseminate the information effectively
Inspire people by presenting a compelling vision for the future.
2020 has undoubtedly tested our resilience, and during times of uncertainty, people want a clear view of the path ahead. In a post-covid world as a business or team leader, including what’s changing, when, and how.
For most change initiatives, it is also helpful to start with a narrative or story that clearly explains the “big picture” – why change is essential and how it will positively affect the organisation long-term.
Use social media.
We all know that social media is a powerful aid for businesses communicating with customers, but we forget it also improves internal collaboration. Encourage your staff to “like”, comment, and share engaging workplace posts – helping to generate conversations, educate employees about your product or service, and boost morale and connection.
Be an active listener.
Listening is more valuable than speaking – especially when
