Engaging Staff

Keeping staff informed about the key drivers within your organization can be challenging, but effective communication is essential for ensuring that everyone understands their contribution to shared goals. Here are some tips to improve the way you communicate with your team:

1. Establish Two-Way Communication. Ensure there is a method for employees to comment, ask questions, and make suggestions regularly.

2. Measure Communication Effectiveness. Just as you measure other aspects of your business, assess how well you are communicating to identify areas for improvement.

3. Utilise Diverse Communication Methods. Use a variety of channels such as verbal updates, team briefs, newsletters, electronic messages, internal blogs, social networks (where appropriate), notice boards, and posters.

4. Provide a Platform for Leaders and Managers. A team briefing process works well, showing a commitment to inform staff. It provides managers with a structured communication process and establishes an expectation among employees that they will be kept informed about organizational goals.

5. Encourage Inclusive Communication. Rotate the chair in meetings, involve people by assigning roles such as timekeeper or note-taker, and try to balance good and bad news. Always end on a positive note, even if it's just to thank everyone for their participation.