What is effective employee communication and why does it matter?

Effective employee communication is an essential function of any thriving business.

Employee communication, simply put, is the sharing of information, ideas, and feelings between workers, their managers, and the organisations for which they work. But moreover, it builds trust, improves employee engagement, boosts productivity and positively impacts the bottom line.  In fact, according to, Theo Gold, author of Positive Thinking, “Communication is your ticket to success if you pay attention and learn to do it effectively.”

Communication is vital for a business to operate and function in any capacity. Without it, managers can’t share information with employees, organisations have no means of sharing important updates and messaging, and employees are left without a voice.

Now, there are a variety of communication channels, some more effective than others. For desk workers with access to company email addresses, communication and access to information is a straightforward process. But it is the frontline workers, who make up 80% of the global working population, who are often left out of the communication loop.

Communicating with the Frontline

With little to no access to computers, laptops or company email addresses, frontline workers are often forgotten when it comes to employee communication strategies. But this is changing rapidly. The pandemic was a catalyst for many organisations to create employee communication solutions specifically for their frontline employees. Employers suddenly needed to be able to communicate with employees about shift changes, health and safety information, COVID-19 protocols, and leadership messages to boost morale, to name a few.

Prior to the pandemic, communication was predominantly top-down with information being disseminated using traditional methods. These often did not reach those on the frontline, so organisations had to relook at the way in which they communicated with their employees. But, if COVID-19 has taught businesses anything, it is that there is most definitely a need when it comes to instant communication with employees who are widely dispersed, whether at home or on the frontline.

Turning to Technology

Frontline employees spend a lot of their time working with technology, but more often than not, this technology does not serve their needs. In fact, one study reveals that an overwhelming 60% of frontline workers are unsatisfied with the tech provided to them, and a further 56% found themselves using their own technology at work.

It is safe to say that the vast majority of frontline employees, certainly in the developing world, do not have access to computers, company email addresses or intranet. They do, however, have mobile phones. By implementing a mobile digital solution, that includes a communication component, organisations can put the power of communication in the palm of their employees’ hands, giving them access to information and the ability to provide their own feedback.

Whether it be to communicate shift changes, a shutdown of operations, crisis comms, or a means to communicate with peers, two-way employee communication is a game changer. Employees feel valued and heard, cared about and part of the organisation. This is particularly important during times of crisis.

The Benefits of Effective Employee Communication

The numbers speak for themselves:

  • 97% of employees say communication impacts how efficiently they are able to carry out their day-to-day tasks.
  • 71% of employees said they were more productive when connected to their peers
  • Connected employees are up to 25% more productive

Effective Employee Communication and Employee Engagement

Better communication equals better engagement. And better engagement equals a 21% boost in profitability – disengaged employees are said to cost companies in the region of $7.8 trillion in lost productivity. Where employees are engaged, organisations have seen a 17% improvement in productivity and turnover is significantly reduced too.

Takeaways

Effective employee communication is critical if organisations are to successfully engage their employees, and employee engagement is vital to the success of the business.

In one study, respondents were asked about the most significant results of poor communication.

  • 44% said poor communication leads to projects not being completed
  • 25% said it resulted in missed performance targets
  • 31% of respondents cited low morale as a result
  • 18% said failure to close a sale was one of the effects of poor communication

From these figures, it is clear to see that providing frontline employees with the right technology to connect and communicate with each other and their leaders is essential.

To find out how Wyzetalk’s digital employee engagement solution can bridge your communication gap, talk to an expert.