EMPLOYEE RELATIONS Chapter Eleven

Employee Communication The most valuable and important resource within an organization is its employees. Employees are not one large homogenous group but are made up of subgroups with different interests, wants, issues and concerns. In order to reach each subgroup, publics must be targeted and content related to specific needs, utilizing appropriate communication tools.

Employee Communication Should Aim To: Be continuous, respectful, and candid to all employees Be developed within a planned framework and encourage participation consistent with the organization’s mission and philosophy Inspire an open environment that is interactive, promotes shared meaning, and encourages diverse viewpoints Reinforce the organization’s ethical stance

Issues Facing Employees Today Economy driven layoffs, corporate cuts, technological changes, today’s labor market, business environment, corporate greed, and unethical actions which breed mistrust, and the current climate that no longer values longevity and loyalty.

Workforce Changes More Females Diverse workforce including Immigrants and, for many, English is a second language Younger workforce Less well educated Virtual workspace

Effective Communication is Needed! R-E-S-P-E-C-T Honest Feedback Recognition A Voice Encouragement

What do the Employees Want?

Employees want: Truthful information, especially in person To know how they’re doing Trust increases if management communicates early and frequently Shares both good and bad news Involve employees actively, seeking opinions and ideas

Well informed employees are the organization’s best goodwill ambassadors.

Benefits of Good Employee Communication: Value-added credibility Commitment is strengthened Can increase morale Increased understanding Improves quality of relationships Better informs

Employee Communication Strategies Development of a plan to enhance credibility, candor, and trust must be the primary objective and should include the following five elements:

Strategic Communication Elements 1. Survey employees attitudes regularly 2. Be consistent 3. Personalize communications 4. Be candid 5. Be innovative

Employee Communication Tactics

Employee Communication Tactics Formal Communication Paths Internal Communications Audits Online Communications Intranet Print Publications Desktop Publishing Employee Annual Reports

Employee Communication Tactics contd. Bulletin Boards Suggestion Box/Town Hall Meetings Internal Video Face-to-Face Supervisory Meetings

Employee Communication Tactics contd. Informal Communication Paths Grapevine Rumors

Question Does more communication mean better communication with employees? Hint: More is not always better Why?

Exercise You are the are the assistant communication manager of your organization. While on break, you hear several employees complaining about the newsletter. "All they ever put in there are team bowling scores and a bunch of figures about production—I know where my copy is going, in the garbage!” What would you do? How can this situation be improved?

What Skills are Necessary to Work in Employee Relations? Knowledge of Communication Technology Skills Writing and Speaking Skills Interpersonal Skills Understanding of Organizational Culture How to format, edit, and work within deadlines

Examples of Employee Communications:

Question What type of employee communications are you familiar with? What do you think the intent of the publication and/or communication was? In your estimation, was it successful? Why?