When information was flowing freely, employees were three times more likely to feel included, four times more likely to trust their organization, and three times more likely to feel connected with their organization.
During the pandemic and subsequent lockdown, organizations have enhanced communication with employees. While the channels of communication may vary, the fact of the matter is that there is no such thing as over-communicating in the current situation. But are companies genuinely harnessing the power and potential of employee communication?
LimeadeOpens a new window , an employee experience software company, shared the results of the latest Limeade Institute research on positive organizational communication and how it connects to company care and business results. The researchOpens a new window surveyed 354 U.S. employees.
When information was flowing freely, employees were three times more likely to feel included, four times more likely to trust their organization, and three times more likely to feel connected with their organization. They also felt more valued and have a positive employee experienceOpens a new window . Employees who received adequate information were three times less likely to feel burned out and five times more likely to believe that their organization cares. They were also likely to be more engaged in their work.
This indicates that when the information is shared transparently, widely, and adequately, it will result in a much higher level of employee engagement, trust, inclusion, and experience. The emphasis is on both forms of information sharing – from the organization to the employee and from one employee to the other. Excellent communication can be achieved when the organization uses multiple digital platforms. But communication gaps are not a tech-related challenge.
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Transparent Communication Is Not a Technology Challenge, It Is a Culture Challenge
A recent Interact/Harris PollOpens a new window of 1,000 employees found that 91% of them believed that their leaders missed the critical skill of communicating well. This is a significant problem that needs rectification. Organizations have a range of tools available to facilitate communication with employees.
Several digital tools help disseminate information to a vast and dispersed workforce. It is efficient and easily accessible by employees too. These tools range from enterprise-wide messaging tools, video calling software, and even the collaborative tools, such as Microsoft Teams. Leaders who are communicating virtuallyOpens a new window with their teams regularly are more valued and trusted.
Intranet-based platforms are much broader than messaging tools since they are centralized communications platforms. These can be used for major announcements and changes, as well as information sharing. One example is the Unily platformOpens a new window . It has enabled organizations to focus on real-time communication, which is paramount during this pandemic. Employees regularly consume content that is relevant to them through such platforms. For example, if the organization has a new benefit due to the current pandemic, the best way to ensure excellent employee experience will be by sharing this information through the intranet quickly and clearly.
Some organizations use online events to interact with their employees. Webinars are being hosted to facilitate the learning process of employees and virtual townhalls are conducted to share important information about company events. These online events that focus on transparency are also being carried out for shareholdersOpens a new window as well by organizations. This paves the way for more trust in the organization, allowing it to be straightforward about its financial data and the challenges it faces.
There is readily available change communication software like GuideSparkOpens a new window , which has recently announced the launch of its Communicate Messages feature, in beta. This is designed to bypass the digital clutter that can become overwhelming, to reach employees directly, especially when there is a need to share critical information immediately.
There are tools also such as AnalyzeOpens a new window by SocialChorus, which allow organizations to track the status of their workforce communication.
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But if there is a gap in communication, no amount of technology can close it. Communicating with employees in non-crisis times is essential. Its importance increases exponentially when it has to be done during a crisis. With possible job cuts, pay cuts, furloughs, and the overall uncertainty in the economy, employers need to take special measures to reach out not just to keep employees in the know but also to check in on them and their overall health. And by deploying the right technology, the process can become effortless – all the while helping employees feel cared for and heard.