The Importance of Communication
Perception is reality - if your employees don't know or understand part or all of their employment 'deal', they may as well not exist.
So how do we communicate?
- Surveys
- Posters in the office
- Intranet
- Line Managers
- Mailing to home (e.g. pension statement, medical insurance booklets, total remuneration statements)
- Reminders on payslips
Developing a Communications Plan (pdf, 46Kb)
Communication Plan Worksheet (pdf, 67Kb)
Communication Profile Matrix (pdf, 48Kb)
Communication Vehicles (pdf, 52Kb)
We can also use annual Total Reward Statements to remind employees of the full value of their package, both in financial and non-financial terms.
Ideas for Improving Communications
Ideas to Facilitate Communication in General
- Examine the environment:
- Are there adequate places for private and group communication?
- Is the environment conducive to communication?
- Use technology to assist in communication flow, but not as a substitute for communication.
- Keep in mind the interpersonal skills and personal traits needed for effective communication.
- Build rapport (mutual respect and trust)
- Be receptive to open communication
- Be non-judgmental
- Communicate constructive ideas/comments
- Use effective listening skills
- Talk to employees like adults
- Accept your communication errors and take responsibility for the information you provide.
- Use effective business writing.
- Recognise the power structure/nature of the organisation
- Be consistent and clear when sharing information.
- Seek feedback.
- Seek clarification.
- Avoid making value judgements.
- Recognise sender and receiver barriers to communication.
- Make communication a management issue (Management should encourage and reinforce communication).
- Recognise different persons/groups having different frames of reference.
- Use specific words and phrases.
- Utilise top-down, bottom-up and side-to-side communication channels.
- Plan your communication.
Communication is the foundation for successful HR program implementation, so is worth spending extra time on.
Further Resources
Examples of Total Reward Statements
Hay Group's new working paper identifing the six key goals of a strategic communication plan and the common communication failings that foil new HR initiatives.
