If your team has recently transitioned to hybrid or remote work scenarios, your communication channels may be changing. It’s important to note that you should be tracking this transition because effective workplace communication can genuinely make or break your organization. The Harvard Business Review addressed a study which shared that organizations struggling due to inadequate communication lose an average of $64.2 million per year, while smaller organizations lose up to $420,000 annually. In this same article, they talked extensively about how communication is perhaps the most essential tool for leadership. Do you agree?
Here are a few reasons why we do:
Effective Collaboration = Improved Productivity
Effective collaboration can take a number of different forms. It can mean the proper technology is in place to support teamwork, or teams are meeting and discussing effectively when it comes to things like budget or project timelines. When everyone is collaborating and on the same page, no time is wasted on navigating ambiguous situations. There’s just great work being done. Many studies show teams that communicate well outperform those that don’t.
Increased Engagement = Decreased Turnover
The Journal of Public Relations Research found a direct correlation between communication and employee engagement. As such, it’s been proven that clear and effective communication can lead to greater employee engagement. Gallup found that 74% of actively disengaged workers are searching for new roles this year. Once you start to engage those disengaged employees through communication tactics, your organization could make significant savings on turnover costs.
Active Knowledge Sharing = Efficient Customer Service
When the team understands the intricacies of your product or service, they’re more apt to have all the knowledge required to help your customers. If your product managers host weekly open forum calls to talk through FAQs or tips and tricks that the customer service team can then pass on, they’ll be better prepared. Better customer service typically leads to greater sales and the ability to charge higher prices, as 86% of people will pay more for better customer service. Customer engagement is as critical as employee engagement for business growth!
Clear Directives = Fewer Manager Conflicts
Employees get frustrated when they aren’t provided with clear directives for their roles. Often, the manager will bear the brunt of that frustration. Either the team member won’t get work done, will become disengaged, or will even voice their frustration in team meetings, affecting overall morale. If managers can clearly and effectively assign and manage project tasks and timelines, there will be fewer conflicts between team members and managers.Full Transparency = Greater Motivation
IBM uncovered that nearly three-quarters of employees don’t completely understand their organization’s strategy. When employees know the “why” behind the bigger picture of the organization, they feel more involved and invested in the company culture. When they understand how their roles impact the bigger picture, there is a more powerful connection to the purpose. There is greater acceptance of day-to-day tasks when they know the driving forces. This, in addition to the employee’s connection to your authenticity as a company and brand, will inspire and spark dedication.
NimblyWise Can Work with Your Team to Improve Communication at All Levels
Are you noticing decreased productivity, increased turnover, customer service issues, management issues, or lack of motivation when looking at your team? If so, it could be attributed to poor communication – which can easily be fixed with training and coaching programs customized to meet your team’s requirements. Let’s chat about how NimblyWise can help you shift your organizational communication for success.
