A new year, a fresh start. As a Leader, you are likely planning your company’s 2025 goals with your employees. Is communication on your list? In our work, we encounter several situations that grow to a critical point which could have easily been addressed with planned, thoughtful communication. We believe all people leaders have that intent, they just don’t always have _________ {fill in the blank: time, proactiveness, perspective, etc.} Communication with employees is critical to build and retain trust, engagement, starve off conflict, increase morale & problem solving; all while fostering the right culture and employee experience. Thoughtful, planned communication fosters:
- Trust
- Transparency: When leaders are open about the company’s goals, challenges, and future plans, employees are more likely to feel included and trusted. Transparency reduces rumors and uncertainties, which can otherwise lead to anxiety and disengagement.
- Planned Communication: Consistent, clear, and honest communication helps employees feel valued and understood. When management is approachable and willing to listen, it promotes a sense of mutual respect and loyalty.
- Enhances Employee Engagement
- Employees who understand the company’s direction, their role in it, and the context behind decisions are more engaged. Transparent communication helps employees align their personal goals with the organization’s objectives, making them feel more invested in the company’s success.
- Prevents Conflicts
- Open communication channels ensure that any misunderstandings or conflicts are addressed early before they escalate.
- Transparency about policies, expectations, and processes can eliminate ambiguity, making it easier for employees to follow guidelines and understand decision-making criteria.
- Employee understanding of the “why” and “how it impacts me” creates a shared purpose and understanding while reducing individual specific concerns about the direction of the company.
- Increases Morale
- Regular and honest updates, especially during difficult times, show employees that they are part of a team. Employees are more likely to remain motivated when they feel they are being kept informed rather than left in the dark about company-wide decisions or challenges.
- Companies need to consider their audience. Having a shared source (an internal web page, shared drive, shared Teams channel, or similar platform) as a “go to” resource for company information is key.
- When employees know what’s going on in the company and understand how their work fits into the larger strategy, they can be more efficient. This alignment increases overall organizational productivity, reduces misunderstandings, and ensures everyone is pulling in the same direction.
- Improves Problem-Solving
- When employees feel comfortable communicating openly, they are more likely to offer constructive feedback or bring up issues early, allowing for faster problem-solving and innovation. Transparent leadership encourages a culture where employees feel empowered to share ideas and solutions.
- Having frequent conversations also helps with the change management cycle. Those employees who are more reluctant to change, sometimes called “laggards” need more time to process the information and changes. Frequent conversations can help them transition and allow them space to be involved in solving for the “what ifs”.
- Strengthens Organizational Culture
- Effective communication and transparency set a tone of openness and cooperation. Organizations that prioritize these qualities tend to have a collaborative and inclusive culture, where employees feel connected and aligned with the company’s values.
- Employees who feel informed and involved are less likely to feel disconnected or frustrated with the company. Transparent communication reduces the likelihood of misconceptions, which can often lead to disillusionment and increased turnover.
- Leaders who consistently communicate openly and with transparency gain credibility. When employees see leaders making decisions based on clear reasoning and openly discussing the rationale behind them, they are more likely to respect and follow their leadership.
- Improves Employee Development
- Transparent communication also involves giving constructive feedback and recognizing achievements. Regular, open communication regarding performance, career development opportunities, and goals helps employees understand how they can improve and advance within the company.
Communication and transparency are not just “nice-to-haves” in employee relations—they are essential for fostering a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration. Organizations that prioritize these aspects can improve employee satisfaction, engagement, and retention, while also achieving greater organizational success. Need a hand with human resources? We can help with that! Whether is a full human resources audit or an HR project, we’d welcome a free 30 minute, no obligation, conversation to explore if we are the right HR partner for you. Give us a call at 608-370-4642 or email us at angie@milestoneshr.com.
