Inside Job: The Key to Internal Communications

You’ve heard it before, “you’re only as strong as your weakest link.” Sounds cliché, but based on multiple studies and various fields of research, this saying can ring true. Your business - no matter how small or large - is made by its employees. Trust us when we say, a little internal communications goes a long way.

The Smile Factor

According to an article by Shawn Achor, we reach our highest levels of intelligence and brain functioning while we are content. Apply this to your employees. A happier employee equals a more productive, intelligent and focussed employee. This can affect business results more than you think.

Service-Profit Chain

To prove the importance of employee engagement, let’s look at the Service-Profit Chain. This theory directly links employee satisfaction to profits. After all, satisfied employees are more likely to engage in positive behaviour. This results in increased productivity, decreased absenteeism and lesser turnover. Of course, these actions drive positive results such as innovation and customer loyalty. What does this mean to you? Revenue.

Driving Satisfaction

So we’ve proved to you the significance of employee satisfaction. Now, let’s look at how to achieve it. Communication between upper management and lower-level employees is essential. More importantly, however, is communicating the right way. Remember to use the following:

1. Simple language – Jargon interferes with the message you are trying to convey.

2. Stories and metaphors – Make people want to hear what you are saying.

3. Repetition – Repeat to engage memory.

4. Transparency – Honesty and openness build trust.

Finally, understand that behaviour is communication itself. Align what you say with what you do. Don’t be afraid to go out of your way to communicate your message. Tell your employees you appreciate them; then throw a party. This enhances your credibility and drives your message home.

Bring in the PR

To develop an employee relations plan to achieve your business goals, bring in an external PR firm. Outsourcing this work will provide you with an outside view of employee engagement and corporate culture. Expect your PR partners to develop a communications plan complete with realistic tactics and workforce satisfaction measures.

Kathryn Kates can help you to develop a stellar internal communications plan. We invite you to check out our website, or join the Kathryn Kates Public Relations Facebook Fan Page. We would love to hear from you.