Why an Employee Communication Strategy Matters

In all relationships – but especially those in the workplace – good communication is critical. Communication allows teams to work together effectively, is the foundation for a positive company culture, and can even result in higher productivity.  And yet, so many organizations overlook the importance of having a well-defined employee communication strategy. For company and HR leaders, a strategic approach to communication is more than just a "nice-to-have" — it's imperative to drive engagement, support employee retention, and sustain business success.

The Cost of Poor Communication 

Not convinced that effective communication is the key to success? Without it, companies run the risk of low morale, disengaged employees, and misalignment with everything from their goals to values. A study by The Economist Intelligence Unit found that poor communication leads to delays, missed deadlines, and increased stress among employees. From an HR perspective, that means higher turnover rates and expensive inefficiencies that could have been avoided with clear and consistent communication practices.

What is an Employee Communication Strategy? 

An employee communication strategy is simply a plan that outlines how information should flow within your corporation. It provides details on the methods, tools, and messages that should be used to keep employees informed, engaged, and aligned with the company’s goals. This communication plan can and should be leveraged for everything from onboarding new hires to announcing major organizational changes. And when used properly, it can ensure that everyone is on the same page.

The Benefits of a Strong Communication Strategy

Let’s take a closer look at how effective a good communication strategy can be. At its core it:

1. Improves Employee Engagement Employees who feel informed and involved tend to stay motivated and committed to their roles. Transparent communication builds trust and a sense of belonging –  both are crucial for engagement. In fact, 85% of employees become more motivated when internal communications are effective.

2. Supports Organizational Goals Clear communication aligns employees with the company’s mission, vision, and values. When teams understand that their work actually contributes to broader objectives, they are far more focused and productive. Did you know that 72% of business leaders believe effective communication has increased their team’s productivity?

3. Strengthens Company Culture Good communication is the foundation of a thriving company culture. Consistent and meaningful exchanges between leadership and employees create an environment where feedback is appreciated, and collaboration is valued.

4. Improves Crisis Management When a crisis arises, a solid communication strategy ensures that employees receive timely and accurate information. Leveraging communication in this way can reduce confusion during times of uncertainty, as well as minimize rumors, and even help maintain employee morale.

   
   

Key Elements of an Effective Communication Strategy

1. Clarity and Consistency Use simple language and make sure that messages are consistent across all channels. No matter how employees access the information (whether through an email, internal memo or meeting), it should be the same across the board. 

2. Two-Way Communication Good communication goes both ways. It’s important to encourage dialogue by providing opportunities for employees to ask questions, give their feedback, and share ideas. Opportunities to do so anonymously might also encourage more honest feedback, without the risk of stigma or retaliation. Employees whose opinions are valued are 4.6 times more likely to deliver their best work. Surveys, town halls, and suggestion boxes can help facilitate this.

3. Tailored Messaging Not all employees need the same information at the same time. Segment your audience and customize your messages to ensure relevance. For example, frontline workers may need different updates than remote employees.

4. Leveraging Technology Invest in tools like intranets, messaging apps, and video conferencing platforms to streamline communication. Technology can help bridge gaps, especially in hybrid or remote work environments. Actually, proper internal comms leads to 77% better employee performance compared with those with inadequate communication.

   
   

Steps to Build Your Employee Communication Strategy

1. Assess Current Practices Ask yourself if there are any current gaps or inefficiencies in your existing communication processes. Reach out to employees for feedback to better understand their needs and pain points.

2. Define Goals What do you hope to achieve with your communication strategy? Do you want to improve employee engagement or reduce turnover? Whatever your goals are,  having clear objectives will guide your efforts.

3. Choose the Right Channels Determine the best platforms for different types of communication. For more formal announcements, you might consider leveraging email, but quick updates might make more sense through internal messaging apps. 

4. Measure and Adapt It’s important to verify that your efforts are effective. To that end, regularly evaluate your strategy by looking at retention rates, how engaged your staff is, and reviewing employee surveys. Continuous improvement is critical for success. 

   
   

An effective employee communication strategy is not just about delivering messages – it's about encouraging connection, building trust, and aligning your employees with your organization’s goals. At its core, investing in communication is investing in your people — and, ultimately, your company's success.

Let's Take the Next Step Together

Training leaders to build strong employee communication strategies is the foundation of the CARRY™ Consulting process. Book a consultation with CARRY™ Consulting today to enhance your internal communications and start driving real change in your organization.