Some companies use surveys to explore what their employees feel or think about their work environment. This type of feedback provides an opportunity to suggest improvements that might enhance their workplace. However, this openness requires the firm to initiate or procure an action as the employees expect their suggestions to be acted upon with sincerity.
Other companies use an “open book” approach that promotes transparency with their employees and allows them to be involved in the goal-making and planning process. This requires communication strategies to monitor and report progress and ultimately accomplish the company goal.
Blogging and internal announcements are additional venues of communication companies use to share information such as career and volunteering opportunities, employee kudos, and company updates such as the company’s financial wellness or new HR benefits. How much information to divulge varies with each company; but, most definitely, some information -employees’ salaries- is protected by the Information Privacy Acts and HIPPA.
Another strategy that makes some of these companies successful is conducting regular weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annual meetings that keep communication lines open between all levels of staff. This is a great opportunity to review the progress of tasks and projects, present employee recognitions and awards, and also create an open forum to discuss concerns and opinions.
No matter the communication direction, whether upward or downward, one thing is certain—it is important to create a positive atmosphere that is sure to keep your employees informed on the progress of your company’s success and in the security of their employment.
