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EMPLOYEE RELATIONSChapter Eleven
Employee CommunicationThe 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 employeesBe developed within a planned framework and encourage participation consistent with the organizations mission and philosophyInspire an open environment that is interactive, promotes shared meaning, and encourages diverse viewpointsReinforce the organizations ethical stance
Issues Facing Employees TodayEconomy driven layoffs, corporate cuts,technological changes, todays labor market, business environment, corporate greed, and unethical actions which breed mistrust, and the current climate that no longer values longevity and loyalty.
Workforce ChangesMore FemalesDiverse workforce includingImmigrants and, for many, English is a second languageYounger workforceLess well educatedVirtual workspace
Effective Communication is Needed!
R-E-S-P-E-C-THonest FeedbackRecognitionA VoiceEncouragement
Employees want:Truthful information, especially in personTo know how theyre doingTrust increases if management communicates early and frequentlyShares both good and bad newsInvolve employees actively, seeking opinions and ideas
Well informed employees are the organizations best goodwill ambassadors.
Benefits of Good Employee Communication:Value-added credibilityCommitment is strengthenedCan increase moraleIncreased understandingImproves quality of relationshipsBetter informs
Employee Communication StrategiesDevelopment of a plan to enhance credibility, candor, and trust must be the primary objective and should include the following five elements:
Strategic Communication Elements1. Survey employees attitudes regularly2. Be consistent3. Personalize communications4. Be candid5. Be innovative
Employee Communication TacticsFormal Communication PathsInternal Communications AuditsOnline CommunicationsIntranetPrint PublicationsDesktop PublishingEmployee Annual Reports
Employee Communication Tactics contd.Bulletin BoardsSuggestion Box/Town Hall MeetingsInternal VideoFace-to-Face Supervisory Meetings
Employee Communication Tactics contd.Informal Communication PathsGrapevineRumors
QuestionDoes 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 productionI 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 SkillsWriting and Speaking SkillsInterpersonal SkillsUnderstanding of Organizational CultureHow to format, edit, and work within deadlines
Examples of Employee Communications:
QuestionWhat 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?