It’s easy to misinterpret an email, to forget to respond to that text message, or to have misalignment on goals.
Apart from telling people what they need to do it is a vital part of developing a positive workplace culture. Employees working where the organizational culture is positive are more productive and are likely to stay longer in the job.
Build a strong culture of communication with this ultimate workforce communication checklist.
1. Welcome people to the workplace
Whether you’re bringing staff back from furlough or you’re highlighting a new employee, create a culture of communication from the very beginning.
Make sure new staff are introduced, have somewhere to work, and there is a planned development program. Use your workplace communication tool to send welcome videos to the whole company or tag employees that you’re featuring. Your new staff will quickly learn how to communicate with the company — and can meet coworkers in the process.
2. Set clear objectives
Each employee should have clear objectives that align with the strategic vision of your business. That might seem lofty, but you can keep your staff on track with task management software. Set up tasks, goals, and priorities so you and your staff know exactly what they need to do — and when. Then, review those tasks to keep you both aligned.
3. Use read receipts
Bueller? Bueller?
Ever sent out a company announcement and wonder if anyone actually read it? It’s easy to lose messages in the deluge of emails and texts. Keep all your workplace communication in one app and enable read receipts to ensure your team received the information. Bonus points if you ask for feedback in person about the communication that went out.
4. Streamline shift changes
When you’re managing shift changes through text messages, sticky notes, and memory, you’re bound to have some miscommunication somewhere. Maybe you mix up two employees’ requests or you completely forget to update the schedule. Whatever the reason, you can remedy crazy shift Jenga by using one tool to streamline time off requests, last-minute changes, and shift replacements.
5. Recognize accomplishments
Saying thank you goes a long way in building genuine, effective communication. Take time to recognize your team for key accomplishments. Maybe they hit a work milestone or nailed a tough task. Whatever it might be, it’s worth noting. Some staff relish in public recognition while others prefer to stay in the background. Ask your team how they like to receive recognition so you know whether it’s better for them to share praise in a team meeting or privately in a one-on-one meeting.
6. 1-1 meetings
Speaking of one-on-one meetings, you should be having these. This is where an employee can discuss progress on their objectives, any difficulties they’re experiencing, and where areas for development are identified. These meetings are also an opportunity to provide constructive feedback, to offer support, and give direction on expectations on an ongoing basis. Frequency (like weekly, bi-weekly, monthly) will depend on your workspace and what makes sense for you and your team.
7. Encourage feedback
Communication is a fail if it’s always one-sided. Instead, make space for feedback. Send polls or surveys for company-wide sentiment, but also solicit feedback from individuals. What did they think of the latest company memo? What are their thoughts on the new clock in procedure? Do they have any suggestions about how to build morale on the team?
8. Create a staff communication plan
Roll all of these together to develop your staff communication plan. Keeping staff informed of change is vital for the effective functioning of any business. It also builds trust and supports the development of a positive culture in the workplace.
Staff communication at its best
When you’re managing a team, communication is your make it or break it tool for success. You can’t afford to ignore it.
Make staff communication easy with Deputy’s all-in-one communication app. Try it for free today.
