Internal communication is critical in any firm, whether or not it has a designated department. Internal communications are frequently referred to as a departmental function. On the other hand, the process is all about sharing and embedding vital knowledge among employees so they may perform at their best. In this article, we will go over seven simple steps to increase internal communication in the workplace.
1. Begin With Yourself
Everyone likes to work with open and communicative people, but how would you evaluate your own communication abilities? Many people recognize that they can improve how they share information and ideas with others, which is why analyzing your communication style is an excellent place to start.
As a leader, it is your responsibility to foster an open culture of internal communication and set a standard for how employees communicate within your organization. Always keep in mind that strong communication begins with you. Therefore assessing your communication skills will encourage your coworkers to follow your lead.
2. Get to Know Your Employees a Little Bit Better
Nobody is the same, and everyone prefers to transmit and receive information in their own unique way. What methods of communication do your employees prefer to use? Do they like to converse on their phones or participate in polls and receive newsletters? Isn’t it possible to communicate with people in person?
Knowing how your team communicates in all of its complexities will be highly beneficial to you. You’ll be able to develop a more successful plan for continuous workplace communication that keeps employees informed and engaged.
You may also ask your coworkers for their perspectives on how you and your organization could improve internal communication. You can gather this type of data without the use of a formal survey. It is preferable to begin asking around simply for suggestions and feedback.
Reaching out to your staff in person to learn about their needs can make them feel more valued and respected. It also demonstrates that you’re willing to take action, which boosts employee morale.
You can conduct a survey to know your employees better. However, you can also use AgilityPortal to create fun polls for your employees and interactively learn more about them.
3. Establish an “Open Door” policy
Setting aside time to communicate with your staff allows them to feel comfortable bringing up issues when they arise. It’s an excellent technique to boost internal communication and motivate your employees while also making you more approachable.
However, don’t be afraid to let others inside. Even if your door is wide open, no one will come through it. It’s ideal if you lead by example, get up from your desk, and do your own rounds.
Another option is to develop scheduled communication that empowers your staff, builds trust, and fosters a culture of open and honest communication inside your company.
Take the time to meet with your team as frequently as you think is necessary. Invite them to group conversations regarding projects, duties, and your company’s overall status. If you have the luxury of having your complete team in the same time zone, try holding meetings at the same time every day, ideally at the start or conclusion of the workday. If your team is spread throughout the globe, attempt to find a time that works for everyone.
4. Organize Departments In A Good Manner
You can’t expect good internal communication if accessing information in your departments is complicated and messy. Organize your teams, as well as the people and information inside them, using the intranet. It has the potential to become the go-to location for sourcing and accessing data.
Department heads can also communicate with members immediately by sharing documents and delivering changes via an internal notification system. As a result, management can quickly communicate with members, and employees can obtain documents or information whenever they want. However, all of this begins with a thorough examination of your teams, their members, and how they communicate both inside and across groups.
5. Video Conferences Should Be Scheduled For Remote Employees
It isn’t easy to manage remote personnel, especially when it comes to developing relationships with them. Video conferencing is one solution to this problem. It’s the most efficient way to meet someone who lives in another city.
Plan weekly video meetings to discuss ideas and subjects or to come up with additional team-building activities. It is a fantastic method to get to know your coworkers and stay informed about their projects.
6. Encourage two-way communication
Many firms use a cascading communication strategy, which has long been the industry norm for sharing information. It’s easy to see why: top-down communication offers a level of control that appeals to those in charge of constructing corporate narratives.
One-way communication, on the other hand, only tells half of the tale. Finding ways to encourage two-way talks, whether in person or through technical means, is a much better way to ensure that all your personnel’s concerns are heard.
7. Set A Good Example
Leaders and their senior management team heavily influence internal communications. They are in charge of establishing the company’s tone. It is the responsibility of the senior management to portray the company’s principles and beliefs favorably. It is especially important during times of stress when employees are looking for comfort.
Leaders must also set an example for best practices in internal communication. They must exchange information, establish two-way conversations between teams and individuals, and offer regular feedback to an employee’s performance and concerns.
Finally, if you want your employees to communicate successfully, you must ensure that your leaders do it as well. One of the most effective ways to improve internal communication is to have the leader gel in with their employees seamlessly. The boss shouldn’t look like the boss and establish an intra-personal communication channel with their employees.
Conclusion
Improving a company’s internal communication takes time and patience, and no one list of procedures can give all the knowledge needed to restructure and implement an internal communications strategy. Nonetheless, it is a vital issue and needs redressal immediately. Take the effort to develop an internal communication plan that you can improve over time.
