Here’s another in my continuing series of guest post articles, for your enjoyment.
In the workplace, internal transparency can help employees feel empowered and engaged. Unfortunately, employers (and managers) often find it difficult to know what information to share with their employees and what information to withhold. Internal transparency will depend on the size, complexity and culture of the organization. The following five tips will help you determine and adopt a healthy internal transparency.
Communication of Company Goals, Values and Mission Statement.
Each employee should understand the mission statement, the values and the goals of a company. Employees cannot work effectively without understanding the purpose, mission, values and goals of the organization. Should any of these change, management should ensure each staff member knows and understands these changes.
Over Communication Should Be Avoided
Did you know that giving your employee too much information can overwhelm an employee? Facts and figures that do not relate to your employee’s job are of little value to the employee. You employees should understand your industry and the competitors. However, detailed reports on potential acquisitions are generally not appropriate for employees and may violate the non-disclosure agreement. Here are some good tips.
Give Your Employees Information in a Format that is Easy to Understand
When you are giving information to your employees, you need to provide it in an easy to understand format. Vague communications can prevent employees from understanding the magnitude of the communications and can affect employee morale. You can overwhelm your employees if you provide them with complex communications and information.
All communication should be done using easy to understand language and formatting to ensure that each of your employees is clear on the importance of the information. For example, your employees may not understand a copy of your financial records; however, all employees will understand if you explain your budget, expense, profits and losses in an easy to comprehend format.
Ensure All of Your Communications Are Trustworthy
In order to reap the benefits of internal transparency, each communication should be honest and trustworthy. If your employees determine that your communications are untrustworthy, they can begin to question their loyalty to your company and its value.
You can increase employee loyalty and trust by establishing a trustworthy, clear line of communication. This can be something as simple as a newsletter or regular emails that keep your employees informed. By sharing organization updates and news with your employees you help foster a level of trust.
Never send out communications that may mislead or confuse your staff as they can cause harm to your relationship with your team. Utilizing software solutions such as Neocase Software can really help smooth things over.
When Appropriate, Encourage Open Dialogues with Your Employees
After you send out important communications to your employees, you should give your employees the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback about the changes. This dialogue can be beneficial to employee morale and to the overall organization. Plus, you may be surprised at the level of buy-in you earn from the team.
However, there are times that no dialogue is warranted, such as staffing changes. When this occurs, relay the information and do not entertain an open dialogue with your staff.
The key to internal transparency is to foster better employee relations within the company. Collaboration and two-way communication can be extremely beneficial. It helps build a sense of ownership and boosts employee morale.
[reminder]How does your approach to open communication work?[/reminder]
