It’s essential to stay focused on employee engagement in the workplace, particularly during periods of organizational change. Matt Bragg, director of FMP Global, explores the importance of employee engagement in these times and how transparent communication can help improve it.
When businesses go through periods of change, this can bring about a sense of unrest or conflict among the workforce, as priorities do not always align. To ensure the smoothest of transition periods, HR leaders must communicate clearly with employees to ensure their engagement. There is a range of ways to achieve this, including by using some of the latest technology. Find out how to use technology to create a company cultureOpens a new window that accommodates and adapts to change, and that evolves as necessary as the business does.
Why Is Employee Engagement Important Now?Employees are the driving force of any organization. A great leader and business plan can only take a company so far – its entire team is needed to put ideas into action.
During periods of change, disengaged employees are likely to find fault in new ideas and plans and will provide no assistance and positivity throughout the transition. Unfortunately, this negative attitude is often contagious, and a business leader will likely encounter numerous barriers among their staff. Avoid such difficulties by honing an invested and engaged workforceOpens a new window , with the help of various technology.
Effective communication is an absolute must to improve employee engagement. Excellent communication can be achieved using several digital platforms, as well as by changing the company culture to a more open one.
The Pillars of Effective Communication for Employee Engagement
By improving internal communications with employees, a company will likely notice significant improvements in engagement in a short space of time. The pillars of communication are creating trust among staff and being as transparent as possible.
TrustIn an Interact/Harris PollOpens a new window , 91% of employees asked said that their leaders lacked communication skills, and according to Trade Press ServicesOpens a new window , 74% of employees feel that they are missing out on company information. When employees feel that they are not receiving all – or enough – information, they start to lose faith in their seniors, under the impression that there is a reason that they are not being given the full picture.
By using digital communication tools, it becomes easier to share updates and news with colleagues across an entire business. Employees will appreciate being invited to provide reactions and conversations on such platforms, and this will create a stream of information and trust that they are being kept in the loop.
Transparency
A level of transparency in the workplace is vital to hone good relationships in which everyone will deliver what they are expected to. During periods of change, specifically, employees should be kept informed about what to expect and when to expect it. There is nothing so disheartening as to turn up at work to find out significant changes have been put into place that you have not been told about – especially if such changes will directly affect employees. While it might not always be possible to communicate all aspects of a move to employees, it’s crucial to make the point of updating staff frequently. Again, using an online communication tool will make such updates simple.
Learn More: 20 Essential Employee Engagement Survey Questions for Your 2020 QuestionnaireOpens a new window
Tools That Can Help Foster a Culture of Open Communication
A wide array of communicationOpens a new window tools are available for today’s workplace. While face-to-face communication is of course valuable, utilizing these tools in addition will help to create a culture in which there is almost constant discussion and collaboration. Note that these tools are just facilitators. Their mere presence will not improve communication. Fostering a culture of communication starts with leadership and trickles down to the rest of the organization when leaders set the right tone.
Instant messaging platforms
There are several applications primarily used as a chat space and can be used to facilitate conversations in different groups. These can be separated into specific departments or projects, and also be used to share documents with other users.
The beauty of these platforms is that they are easy to use, and they encourage colleagues to communicate regularly. They also provide an ideal tool with which managers can communicate announcements and company messages.
Video and conference calls
A number of tools offer the option to conduct video calls, and even conference calls with external stakeholders. This is an ideal communication aid, particularly for companies that have multiple offices or remote workers.
Video calls are an excellent way to create a sense of inclusion because they allow a level field for employees to voice their opinion and ask questions. These platforms are especially relevant when important announcements must be delivered by managers, to ensure that those outside the office are not left behind in the communication.
Collaboration tools
There are also many platforms designed to encourage and facilitate collaboration among employees. There are scheduling tools that offer visibility over employees’ work, and they can also be used as a team calendar or to-do list style application.
Others also offer the option to upload and work on documents at the same time, making them valuable assets for idea-swapping, business updates, social conversation, and more.
Learn More: Employee Engagement vs. Job Satisfaction: Key Differences and MetricsOpens a new window
Boosting employee engagementOpens a new window through communication and great company culture should be a matter of concern for any business owner during organizational change. Employee engagement is needed to get the best out of your teams so that your company can prosper and keep up with competitors. When change within the business is required, whether this relates to staffing, structure, technology, or products and services, a supportive, engaged team of employees, who have the information they need to do their jobs well, will help make the transition period go as smoothly as possible.
Why do you think communication is essential for employee engagement during organizational change? Tell us on LinkedInOpens a new window , TwitterOpens a new window , or FacebookOpens a new window .