10 Tips to Improve Workplace Communication

In every aspect of life (professional and personal), communication is crucial to success and happiness. The quality of a business’s internal communication often says a lot about the company itself. Here are 10 tips to improve workplace comradery:

1. Checking in with employees is essential, meet regularly either in person or online, with an open invitation to share their thoughts and feelings about projects, tasks or the organization on the whole.

2. Make internal knowledge & documents easily accessible-For newer employees, it can be difficult to learn the ropes of an organization and how it truly operates. Making internal knowledge easily available via documentation on your social intranet is a great way to keep communication flowing.

3. Have an ‘open door’ policy- where employees feel comfortable speaking to management.

4. Take advantage of social media and social intranet. You can use both to allow employees to share their interests with each other, creating meaningful work-related conversations.

5. Identify a common goal- It’s important for employees to be on the same page and mindset, in order for the common goal to be achieved.

6. Focus on company culture- Integrate company culture in your regular workday. You can do this by incorporating your branding into office décor, social intranet and other collateral.

7. Schedule ‘Out of Office’ Activities- Allow your employees to get to know each other better, by focusing on non-work related activities. Remember team-building exercises don’t always have to revolve around getting actual work done.

8. Use an anonymous ‘Suggestions Box’- You can benefit greatly from setting a "suggestion box" in your office that allows for employees to anonymously comment on things they'd like to see improved. People aren't always comfortable bringing up their concerns, after all, and are more likely to do so if they can take an anonymous approach.

9. Ask Questions- Asking your employees how they like to receive information (through the social intranet, email, newsletters, etc.) can help you create a more effective plan for regular communication. 

10. Celebrate Your Achievements- Celebrating what you as a team achieved, will boost the moods of everyone who had a hand in the success of the company.