We’ve all heard it. Communication is the cornerstone of any successful relationship. From our family to our neighbors, once we learn to interact effectively, many doors open up. Nowhere is this more truthful than within the confines of your workplace. Studies reveal that companies who encourage social well-being are 4.5x more likely to retain the best employees.
That’s why VibeCatch has created a primer on the do’s and don’ts of effective office communication. Take a look, then use this to jumpstart a happy and prosperous workplace.
Monthly meet-ups empower employees by giving them a voice. You can also schedule weekly meetings with upper tier employees who are managing others. Ask them to share their thoughts and opinions and watch the flow of ideas trickle down.
DON’T forget about the little guy
The least effective employee can still have a big impact on your organization. Make sure to reach out to those who are creating a gap in the company’s performance. Make them a regular part of the conversation and you will see them flourish under the attention.
If your employees are aware of the progress of the company or any changes that may be taking place, then they will feel substantially invested in the outcome.
DON’T shield staff from transitional phases or new information.
Office culture is such that they will find out anyway, and perhaps even receive misinformation. Be the first to tell employees about inter-office changes. They will respect the process and likely offer to help.
Staff needs to feel comfortable talking to everyone from the CEO down. Creating an environment where others feel they can openly investigate issues will inevitably nurture an atmosphere from which to resolve problems.
DON’T create an unbreachable hierarchy
Employees want to feel that progress is accessible to them. If you only fraternize with others of the same office ranking as you, then you disrupt the flow of communication. Stay open to the ideas of others, no matter where they stand in the food chain.
Team building initiatives have been consistently proven to improve employee engagement, communication and productivity. They can effectively encourage your staff to collaboratively explore where each other’s strengths and weaknesses lie.
DON’T give in to pressure
Whenever you mention team building in an office, everyone groans. But while some may snicker at exercises that seem silly, persevere and you will see measurable results. Team-building activities have a way of becoming infectious – even to the most cynical employee.
Create teams for specific purposes and encourage staff to join forces to complete a difficult task. Office communication will flourish when members connect directly with one another, says The Harvard Business Review. People want to feel supported and while you can’t be everything to everyone, you can gently manipulate situations so the right people come together at the right time.
DON’T shy away from healthy competition
While many workplaces breed unhealthy competitive angles where employees feel like they are trapped in games and intrigue, healthy competition revolves around goal setting and awards. If done correctly, it can vastly improve workplace culture and morale.
Communication takes work and careful strategy. It isn’t simply about being truthful, it’s about delineating how to speak your mind, and when. Start small to create the kind of environment that will naturally breed open-ness and ease. Set a strong example and you will see your business and your profits thrive.