New research report: The power of effective employee communication

Our newest research report, Bridging the Communications Gap, highlights that 80% of employees feel more appreciated when they receive the type of communication they want.

Our findings reveal that 80% of employees trust their organization more when communication is transparent. This trust is even higher among managers (84%) and those in technology roles (89%). Employees are also more likely to stay with an organization that communicates honestly. About 30% of employees stated that a lack of clear, honest communication would prompt them to leave their job. Therefore, fostering an environment of transparent communication is not just good practice; it's essential for retention and performance.

Effective communication is also directly linked to productivity and customer satisfaction. According to Grammarly's State of Business Communication report, workplace miscommunication costs U.S. businesses $1.2 trillion annually. On the flip side, effective communication can lead to a 64% boost in productivity, a 51% rise in customer satisfaction, and a 49% improvement in employee confidence.

Give the people what (the topics) they want

We know communications professionals only have so many messages they can send, so knowing what the focus should be is important.

From the larger organization? Employees are looking for information on training and development opportunities, policy or procedure changes, and recognition of achievements. Check out the full report for examples of how our clients use daily updates and leadership videos to make these communications consistent and engaging.

From their managers? Employees highlight the value of performance feedback, recognition of achievements, and training opportunities. There is overlap, so there are opportunities for the organization to show managers how it’s done and cascade key best practices and feedback throughout reporting relationships.

Practical tips for implementing strong communication practices

Implementing effective communication practices doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here are some practical tips to help you get started:

Use Your Time Wisely: Shift your focus from mundane tasks to strategic initiatives by repurposing existing content and using a wider group of authors. This allows you to invest time in building relationships and supporting new audiences.

Reinforce Managers’ Role: When asked how they want to hear from managers, the top choice across generations was for in-person one-on-one meetings. Work with managers to ensure these meetings (or the closest reasonable equivalent) happen. Make the most of these meetings by regularly sharing key messages to be reinforced in one-on-one meetings.

Build Managers’ Communication Skills: We found 46% of employees say having a great relationship with their manager is more important than a 10% pay raise, but only 51% of employees feel listened to by their managers. Invest in training programs that enhance managers' ability to listen to employee needs and share corporate messages effectively.

Make Communication Data-Driven: “Improving communication” is a common need but can feel like an impossible task. Track engagement metrics to monitor small improvements and continuously improve your communication strategies. Listening to employee feedback and adjusting accordingly can significantly enhance your communication efforts.

Save Time with HR Tech: Utilize internal communication tools to save time and boost engagement. Platforms that combine recognition, benefits, and news in one place can streamline your communication efforts.

Clear and consistent communication is no longer a support function; it's a strategic lever for trust, performance, retention, and workplace culture. As change continues and expectations rise, now is the time to fully embed communication excellence across every level of your organization.

Leveraging technology to bridge the communication gap

With the rapid advancement of technology, leveraging digital tools for communication has become indispensable. Employee engagement platforms like Reward Gateway | Edenred's can significantly enhance internal communications. These platforms provide a structured and predictable way to disseminate information, ensuring that employees are always in the know.

Unlock the full potential of your workforce by downloading our latest report from Reward Gateway | Edenred. Learn more about the importance of transparent communication, trust-building and the role of technology in improving internal communications. Download your free copy today!