Communication Magic
It's time to fix communication in the workplace! No more complaining that the younger generation doesn't talk, or that remote employees are invisible, or that management hordes all the information. It's time for HR Professionals to assume their rightful place as wizards of inter-office communication!
Let’s start by exploring our current communications situation to determine where messages are getting lost in translation. Are emails going unread? Are Slack channels a mess? Is important information buried in meetings? We have to understand our current picture before we implement any of the communication ideas below.
Your remote employees want to be included in the flow of information. HR is the right entity to champion virtual inclusion strategies. Set up regular virtual coffee chats, create digital water cooler spaces, and ensure remote workers have equal opportunities for visibility and career advancement. And please remember that "Reply All" is not always the answer.
We need to upskill our communication abilities. HR should develop and deliver targeted training programs on effective communication across various mediums. Cover everything from crafting clear emails to running efficient virtual meetings to active listening.
We know some people purposely hoard information because they see it as a way to hold onto power. HR needs to champion transparency and open communication channels. Implement regular town halls, create an internal newsletter that people actually want to read, and set up cross-functional task forces to break down those silos. Encourage leaders to share both successes and failures - because nothing builds trust like vulnerability.
The generational divide is not a problem, it is an opportunity. HR can spearhead reverse mentoring programs, pairing up employees from different generations to share knowledge and skills. Maybe the junior employee can teach the senior exec about social media, while learning some valuable industry insights in return.
Revamp your onboarding process to emphasize communication from day one. Create a "communication roadmap" for new hires, outlining key channels, important contacts, and communication norms within the organization. This sets the tone for open and effective communication right from the start.
HR should implement regular pulse surveys to gauge communication satisfaction across the organization. Use this data to identify trends, celebrate wins, and course-correct where needed.
Lastly, HR needs to lead by example. Be the change you want to see in the communication landscape. Respond promptly to messages, be clear and concise in your own communication, and always strive for transparency. Your actions will set the standard for the rest of the organization. The workplace is evolving at warp speed, and it's up to HR to lead the charge in fixing communication.
