Communication is Key to Build Trust with Employees

Internal communication is vital for companies to build trust with employees. Employee trust can build a positive company culture that helps to not only retain employees but creates an interest with potential employees.

According to a study in Harvard Business Review, people at high-trust companies report 74% less stress, 106% more energy at work, 50% higher productivity, 13% fewer sick days, 76% more engagement, 29% more satisfaction with their lives, and 40% less burnout than people at low-trust companies.

When communication is properly implemented, it can enhance interactions at every level of the company and maintain a connection.

However, there are a few barriers that can negatively impact how communication is received by employees.

1. Semantics – Do not use complicated phrases and jargon words that might have varying meanings to different audiences.
2. Filtering the Message – Do not alter the messaging to make it sound more pleasing to the employee.
3. Leadership – The more trustworthy the leadership source, the better chance the messages will be received clearly. If the person sharing the message is not trusted or deemed insincere, the message will often be ignored.
4. Mixed signals – All employees should receive the same message. While sharing more information with managers may be necessary, the messages should still be the same so there is no confusion when employees are speaking with one another.

Don’t be discouraged by these barriers, as there are a few tactics that can be used to eliminate the barriers and deliver effective messaging.

1. Clarify ideas before communicating – Many messages fail because of inadequate planning and a lack of understanding of the nature of the message. To create effective messaging, focus on the goals of the message and the feelings/attitudes of those receiving the message.
2. Communicate feelings behind the facts – While the facts are important, the portrayal of appropriate feelings from all levels of management will add power and conviction to the message.
3. Adapt to the employee’s communication style – Some employees will communicate more freely with those who match their style. It’s good to offer message deployment via various methods.
4. Foster informal communication – With an abundance of information, open communication enhances trust within a company. Informal interactions between all levels of management and employees can foster trust and cut down on the potential for misinformation to be spread.
5. Obtain feedback – The best communications efforts can be wasted if feedback on how well the message came across or didn’t come across isn’t solicited.

By considering these elements, you can cut down on the noise and provide messaging that resonates and ultimately builds trust with employees.

For more Maven insights on employee communications read Jessica Sharp’s blog post:

Internal Communications Tips that Keep Employees Engaged.

Posted In Company