Need to create effective workplace communication?

In order to have really effective workplace communication, look closely at the methods you use to communicate. Are they working for you? Do you need to try new ones? Here are some suggestions:

Regular, one to one coaching/mentoring/feedback meetings. All employees should receive some form of regular, one to one communication with their manager, whether it is through a formal meeting or an informal chat in the canteen.

Employees should be given time to prepare out of courtesy and to promote a two - way discussion. Click on Performance Appraisal for advice on a formal feedback method.

Regular department/team meetings.

Discuss progress over the past week, what lies ahead, and use the opportunity to give positive feedback and improve morale.

Again this can be a formal meeting, or a less formal, stand up gathering. An essential tool for communication in the workplace.

Team Briefing. This is a way of passing information from the top of the business down to all employees, and allowing employees to send feedback to the top management.

To work, the whole process needs to be completed within a short timeframe, for example 48 hours. This is one of the best team communication skills you can use if handled properly.

Focus Groups. Invite interested employees to attend a focus group on a business issue, e.g. business energy wastage. You can get useful information from employees who may not otherwise be involved and it is another effective workplace communication method.

Interdepartmental/Interdisciplinary Teams. Encourage communication across departments and functions by creating teams to work on projects such as identifying cost savings. Train team members in team communication skills to get the most out of the initiative.

Offsite Management Meetings.Take the management group offsite for a day and an evening. Provide training, a business update and a chance to build relationships in a social setting. This is great for breaking down barriers between departments and building better communication in the workplace.

Open Days. These are a novel way for employees to see what goes on in other parts of the business, as well as giving them the opportunity to invite family and friends.

Newsletters. Invite contributions from employees about non-work issues to help employees get to know each other on a personal level.

Noticeboards. Keep work and non- work notices separate and remember to update/remove them on a regular basis.

Meeting Minutes. Get into the habit of documenting action items and who is responsible for completing them at the end of meetings. Distribute this information as required; it may save someone having to attend the meeting purely for information purposes.

Voice Mail. Send a voice mail to employees containing the latest business news. This is a useful verbal communication method which could be used on both desk phones and mobiles.

Email. This can be an effective workplace communication method - if handled properly. Manage email accounts so that employees don't get swamped with unnecessary mail. Suggest that employees only check their email at certain times of the day, so that it isn't a constant source of interruption and time wasting.

Text Messaging. Particularly useful if your employees are not desk bound or if you operate a number of shifts.

Intranet/Social Networking. Look at having a company website that keeps employees up to date. You may also find a use for technologies such as http://www.twitter.com.

Whatever communication channels you use, remember to audit them on a regular basis so that you maintain effective workplace communication. You may find an employee survey will pinpoint what is working well and what needs to be changed.

Download the Ways to Communicate Effectively Audio Guide to hear answers to the key questions managers have on the topic of communication.

Click on Importance of Communication to take a broad view of workplace communications and how they can be improved.

The Basic Communication Skills page focuses on one to one communication methods.

Take this topic further by clicking on How to Read Body Language.

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