What are the elements of effective employee communication?

Effective communication strategies have shifted over time as new communication technologies emerged. No matter your industry or preferred communication channels, the goal remains the same: a clear and concise transfer of information within the workplace.

Keep the following fundamental aspects of clear communication in mind when shaping or improving your employee communication strategy.

• Accuracy is essential in communication. Accuracy in business communication means speaking or writing with no or minimal errors. Accurate messaging includes proofreading to eliminate grammatical errors and fact-checking to ensure correct information. Prioritizing accuracy in communication for managers and employees can streamline typical company processes as well as reduce misunderstandings.
• Brevity is vital for business communication. Brevity is the ability to deliver information in as few words as possible while keeping the message clear. Concise messages are vital for modern-day businesses amid the many workplace distractions vying for an employee’s attention. Additionally, many employees don’t have time to read long emails or memos. Keep messages concise to help your team absorb information and give your words more impact.
• Openness is crucial for two-way communication. Your organization’s poor communication track record may not be about substandard processes. It may stem from cultural issues. People are less likely to report problems if they expect to be reprimanded or hassled, so more mistakes slip through the cracks. Saying you value effective communication in your company culture won’t make it happen. You must demonstrate that everyone is welcome to speak their mind before employees feel safe taking the chance. You’ll see higher employee morale when you show your organization is dedicated to minimizing frustration.

How can you improve communication with your employees?

Improving communication within your business is a straightforward – if time-consuming – process. Your organization’s leadership team must strengthen its communication skills first to see improvements in the larger workforce, making clear, respectful communication part of the fabric of your organization.

Managers dictate workplace culture, playing a vital role as the messengers for leadership decisions. However, many managers may feel unprepared to communicate with their teams. Here are five tips for strengthening management communication skills in the workplace…[MORE]