When people don’t know what is happening in their workplace, it can spell disaster for both them and the business for whom they work. Improved communication is not something that will happen overnight, but with a bit of time, effort and determination, both employees and employers can find way more satisfaction. Here are five ways in which you can help.
- Listen
While listening might not come easy to all bosses, especially when they are so confident that their ideas and strategies are the right ones, taking other people’s opinions into account is a sure-fire way to bring people together. Active listening and actually giving new things a go, which employees have suggested, will show trust and confidence in them.
- Create opportunities to talk
Time is tight in business. However, setting aside a small pocket of time once or twice a week for employees to come and talk to you could prove very valuable. A drop-in session where workers can share any concerns or suggestions will ensure that they feel respected and that their opinions matter. Gaining feedback from your employees will help you to form plans for the future and tailor things towards their and your own strengths.
- Use technology
Nowadays, the use of technology goes hand in hand with communication. Everyone tends to have a cell in their hand at any given moment, so the ability to communicate with someone at the touch of a button appeals to most employees. Investing in an app or platform, such as the Now Platform provided by ServiceNow ITSM, could be revolutionary. Doing so ensures that everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet and up to date with all the information and data they require. Furthermore, the use of tech, like Grammarly, to improve written communication should be encouraged. Poor use of spelling and grammar in emails and letters, for example, can leave a bad impression for clients, potential or otherwise.
- Streamline meetings
Ever sat in a meeting that seems to go on forever and you are left with more questions than answers at the end of it? It can be frustrating, and usually attending such a meeting leads to increased annoyance around what could actually be achieved during that wasted time. Scheduling meetings with a precise agenda and allowing only a specific period of time will help. Additionally, ensuring that minutes are taken to keep everyone up to speed with developments and news is vital.
- Be inclusive
Within all workplaces, it is essential to assume that there will be a level of difference in terms of communication. For example, you may have those who rely on some form of lip reading or they may have difficulty understanding facial expressions and body language, perhaps due to a diagnosis of autism. Therefore, ensuring that you build an inclusive workplace will really help to improve communication, allowing all employees to have equitable access to the information they require. This may mean that other workers require additional training, but this will be worth it.