Employee connection has always driven business innovation and success.
A collaborative and engaging work environment fosters advancements that can change the world – from curing diseases to inventing new products to positively impacting society. Those connections don’t happen by accident, though, especially in today’s more dispersed and siloed workforces.
Overcoming challenges in the modern workplace – where geographic distances, organizational structures and larger societal issues can create barriers – is essential to nurture the collaborative spirit necessary for groundbreaking achievements. And one of the biggest challenges facing employees across organizations right now? A lack of connection.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Surgeon General released an alarming report about the growing state of loneliness and social isolation across the country. The report describes the trend as a public health concern – something so serious and widespread it’s become an epidemic. The effects on mortality are akin to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, according to the Surgeon General’s findings.
Loneliness and lack of connection permeate all areas of society – including the workplace.
8 out of 10 employees say they have felt lonely at work
75% of workers have felt excluded at work
43% of employees don’t feel connected at work
53% don’t look forward to working because of co-workers
Aside from the physical and mental health impacts a lack of connection has on employees, it also impacts business outcomes. Workplace connectedness and employee connectivity are associated with everything from job satisfaction to performance to individual innovation. On the flip side, a feeling of loneliness contributes to burnout, chronic work stress, turnover and absenteeism.
Effective employee communication and connection are the cornerstones of a thriving workplace. Read on for strategies to fuel that sense of connectedness, belonging and engagement in ways that improve overall organizational culture.
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Employee Communication and Employee Connection
As with all relationships, communication is critical. And, in the workplace, employee connection and communication really do go hand-in-hand.
Creating a collaborative and informed work environment largely depends on the company culture and how it facilitates the exchange of information and feedback. A sense of belonging and shared purpose starts – and ends – with that communication. Whether between peers or direct reports, aim for all employees and managers to communicate in ways that are:
- Aligned with company strategy, mission and culture
- Consistent
- Inclusive
- Based on mutual respect and trust
Not sure where to start?
Here are the three most important best practices to keep in mind.
Prioritize establishing clear communication channels like regular team meetings, email updates, or collaboration platforms.
Encourage open dialogue and feedback to strengthen the bond between employees and leadership, as well as colleague-to-colleague relationships.
Strengthen trust with transparent, honest and authentic communication.
Impact of Communication on Employee Morale and Productivity
Effective communication has a profound impact on employee morale, productivity and retention rates. When communication is clear and transparent, employees feel more informed and connected to the organization's goals. That in turn, boosts morale and encourages a sense of purpose.
On top of that, well-communicated expectations and goals contribute to higher productivity levels. Employees better understand their roles and how their work contributes to the broader objectives of the company.
Quick Stats About Why Employee Communication Matters
72% of business leaders
say effective communication has increased their team’s productivity.
74% of employees
would prefer to work for a trustworthy employer with effective communication practices.
70% of corporate errors
are caused by poor communication.
Plus, as we touched on previously, communication and employee connection are very much intertwined. And that in itself has a significant impact on business outcomes. Research, for instance, shows a direct link between workplace loneliness and job performance.
Lonely workers
miss an average of 15 more days of work per year than non-lonely co-workers.
Stress-related absenteeism
costs employers more than $154 billion annually.
46% of workers
say they are likely to leave their jobs because of loneliness.
In all, positive communication experiences play a vital role in retaining valuable talent and supporting employees in all ways.
Strategies for Effective Employee Communication
Create a Communication Roadmap
Identify your strengths, weaknesses and goals around employee communication and connection.
Are some of your employees working remotely and struggling with virtual-only interactions? Is there a growing skill gap at your organization due to a lack of mentorship opportunities? Do employees seem disengaged?
Whatever issue you are trying to solve, be clear about your goals and what KPIs you can to use to measure success.
TIP: Use employee feedback survey tools to better understand what your team is thinking and feeling. Monitoring employee sentiment provides invaluable actionable insights.
Tailor Your Communication Channels
Use various communication tools – such as email, chat, in-person meetings and employee engagement technology – to ensure communication is tailored to the diverse needs of different teams and individuals.
There are various methods of workplace communication require respective approaches, such as:
- Strategy update meetings
- Celebratory messages or announcements
- Individual feedback and performance reviews
- Team collaboration and project updates
- Crisis communication
TIP: If you offer a recognition program – which you absolutely should (here’s why) – tap into a platform like Inspirus Connects Plus to streamline showing appreciation for employees with company-wide communication and social recognition options.
Get Onboarding Communication Right
The onboarding process is a critical juncture where effective communication sets the tone for an employee's entire journey. Clear communication during onboarding provides a roadmap for new employees and helps them integrate into your company culture. It’s not just about relaying information either – this is a critical moment to introduce and live your values!
Make sure to schedule regular check-ins at key moments – 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, and so on – to ensure a smooth transition.
TIP: Even before a new hire’s Day One, be clear and transparent about what to expect with onboarding. Share details about the training process, goals and how you gather feedback about your onboarding program.
Emphasize Open Dialogue and Active Listening
Communication is a two-way street: it’s equal parts sharing information and listening. In the workplace, open dialogue and active listening help foster a culture of respect – when leaders and team members actively engage in listening to their colleagues, it builds trust and promotes a sense of inclusivity.
Employees who feel that their opinions and ideas are genuinely considered are more likely to contribute actively to discussions, share innovative insights and collaborate effectively.
TIP: To foster an environment where open and constructive communication is part of the day-to-day, focus on nurturing a feedback-centric culture by elevating the employee voice and encouraging everyone, no matter their position, to share their input.
Enhancing Employee Connection Through Communication
Building a robust organizational culture through communication is not just a lofty goal – it's a strategic must in the modern workplace. With many teams still following remote or hybrid arrangements, effective communication is non-negotiable. Even for in-person workplaces, it’s the linchpin holding teams together.
Here are some ways to build a strong organizational culture through communication:
Employee Recognition Communication
Employee recognition is extremely powerful at creating connections and bringing people together, but it takes a strategic communication plan for it to succeed. Think about messaging during the pre-launch, launch and post-launch of any recognition efforts to make sure everyone is on the same page and to spark enthusiasm.
Foster Team Collaboration Through Activities and Events
Organize regular team-building activities, whether virtual or in person, to foster camaraderie and build strong interpersonal relationships. But don’t overlook the importance of informal communication and casual interactions within teams that strengthen bonds.
Bridge Remote, Hybrid and In-Person Gaps
Make sure to integrate all employees into your culture, regardless of their work location, by giving everyone equal opportunities to participate in team-building activities, celebratory events and recognition programming.
Be Inclusive
Of course, you should make sure that all communication is inclusive, so no one feels pushed aside or alone. In addition, be considerate also of people’s individual communication preferences – some people love the spotlight and enjoy public praise, while others prefer a quiet one-to-one compliment.
Leveraging Technology for Improved Connectivity
Building connections isn’t always easy, but the right tools help significantly. An employee engagement solution like Inspirus Connects brings teams together with meaningful moments of community, recognition and engagement.
Whether remote, hybrid or in-person teams, celebrating the moments that matter and creating a culture of recognition improves connectivity for everyone. Whether celebrating a birthday, marking a service milestone or simply fostering a culture of belonging through regular shows of appreciation, Inspirus technology is a bridge that creates a connected community.
But how do you know if your efforts to improve connectivity and engagement in the workplace are working? With robust feedback and survey tools. Inspirus and The Happiness Index (THI) have partnered to offer a holistic employee experience management platform that provides actionable insights into the thoughts and emotions of your employees, giving them a voice through more than 20 pre-built surveys.
When choosing the right technology, look for a proven employee engagement solution with:
- Reportable metrics and key data about the impact of your programming.
- Feedback tools and employee surveys to keep your finger on the pulse.
- A variety of communication tools, like the ability to send messages, eCards and GIFs either privately or publicly.
- A public activity feed and centralized recognition hub for company-wide updates.
- Personalized experiences like the ability for employees to personalize their social profiles and activity feeds.
- Tangible rewards and gifts for employees when you celebrate the special moments.
Create a workplace culture where every employee feels valued, connected and engaged.
FAQ’s
What role does communication play in employee engagement?
Authentic and effective communication is the cornerstone of employee engagement. It fosters a sense of belonging, trust and alignment with organizational goals, empowering employees to feel valued and connected to their work.
Why is employee connection and communication important?
Employee connection and communication are vital as they cultivate a collaborative workplace culture. That, in turn, strengthens relationships and ensures everyone is informed and engaged – ultimately contributing to increased productivity and overall organizational success.
Happy, well-connected employees do better work and are more likely to stay with an organization.
What is the key to good employee communication?
Great communication and a connected environment at work require many elements coming together in tangent, but some of the most critical pieces are:
- Establishing clear communication channels
- Leveraging technology and communication platforms
- Encouraging open dialogue and feedback
- Setting aside time for team-building activities
- Promoting active listening
- Recognizing achievements and creating a culture of appreciation
How can an employee engagement platform like Inspirus help with connection and communication in the workplace?
An employee engagement platform like Inspirus Connects enhances workplace connection by providing a centralized hub for recognition, communication and feedback.
By combining physical and digital elements, you can foster a sense of community no matter where your workers are located – making sure the entire team feels valued and connected.
Other Valuable Resources on Employee Connection and Communication
4 Ways to Reduce Loneliness
5 Tips For An Effective Employee Recognition Communication Plan
