As the new year begins, small businesses are starting off with daunting times ahead. With an increase in taxes, slow economic growth and the status of the credit market where it is now, small to medium sized businesses will need to pay closer attention to their strategies. Proper marketing, consumer communication and building trust will remain important strategies. However, internal communication will also play an important role in growth and success. Many businesses overlook creating a strong internal communication strategy which leaves many employees out of the loop.
The Importance of Employee Involvement
If knowledge is power, companies need to assure every employee is a powerhouse of information. In the past, company status, strategy and goals were often given on a need to know basis. However, in today’s economy, your employees need to know where they stand and how they affect the business as a whole.
Offering the inside scoop to the employees that keep your business running will only benefit your company and assure they understand their role in the big picture. Employee involvement often leads to an increase in productivity, decreases in work errors, and creates a genuine interest in helping your business succeed. This can also lead to innovation and improved morale.
Increasing Internal Communication
There are hundreds of strategies to increase internal communication and get all of your employees involved. However, as with anything else, there are proven methods and standards. Creating a strategy for internal communication doesn’t have to endure a lot of cost or time when done properly. Some of the most effective methods include:
- Creating a social network group for employees.
- Creating a method for information and file sharing among employees.
- Encourage employees to participate through surveys and suggestions.
- Regular staff meetings with a structured flow and Q&A session.
- Utilizing collaboration and information technology to reach employees in a variety of ways.
These common methods of communication will allow your employees to see changes within the company, the company’s goals, and what to expect in the future. This will also allow your employees to prepare early for changes and add insight into what will work and what won’t work in terms of new processes or procedures. Management often overlooks their greatest resource for information by forgetting those who are working in the trenches.
Giving up the Hierarchy of Information
Creating a solid company hierarchy is important for every business. Not only does it allow for accountability, but it also assures company information goes to the right people. Even with the hierarchy, there is information that is commonly kept in upper management that can benefit even the low end employees.
It will always remain true that certain company information should remain privileged, however some information could be shared to benefit the company’s future. Who your investors are, company finances, and checks and balances are types of information that should be reserved for upper management. Changes in the direction of the company, new projects on the horizon, changes in middle management, and any information that will directly affect your lower tiered employees should be shared as the information solidifies. This will allow your employees to prepare as well as feel they are truly part of your company.
Smart businesses understand the value in sharing information with everyone involved. Rather than your employees discovering these changes when they take effect, earlier communications can assist in assuring smoother transitions and increased morale. Everyone likes to feel part of something larger and with a proper communication strategy, your entire company can share in the successes together.
– Kylie Cowles writes full-time for education blogs nationwide. Several schools offer online programs in communication including University of Southern California and Northwestern University.
