Effective communication in the workplace is vital to a successful operation. If you’re a manager, here are a few ways you can motivate your team members to communicate frequently and productively:
- Encourage two-way communication. When you deliver information, always give employees a channel in which to respond. This may include allowing team members to give feedback during performance reviews or soliciting questions and concerns through interoffice communications, such as newsletters and email.
- Leverage technology. A growing segment of the workforce is more comfortable using instant chat and email to communicate with their colleagues. These digitized communication tools ensure that everyone in the office can send and receive information.
- Vary communication styles. Not every employee feels comfortable sharing his or her thoughts in the same setting. Arrange multiple ways for team members to communicate with one another. For example, follow a large meeting with an opportunity for employees to respond through anonymous messages.