5 tips to create more dynamic internal team communications

Guest post by Ken Rhie

Whether employees sit one desk over, or telecommute from two thousand miles away, most companies have issues with internal communication. In fact, according to results from an Interact/Harris Poll, 91% of employees say communication issues can drag executives down.

Business leaders must place a high priority on integrating effective communication strategies into their teams' daily activities. Failing to do this derails hitting goals and decreases employee engagement, both of which are detrimental to the bottom line.

How can businesses facilitate productive employee interactions? Here are 5 tips to create more dynamic internal team communications and successfully drive progress.

Build communication into the corporate culture.

Corporate culture propels a plethora of actions, and one of them is communication. Leaders must foster an environment of transparent, two-way communication, and lead by example. Team members who are encouraged to interact with their boss as well as co-workers tend to be more engaged in their work, which makes for better employees. Talking about the role communication plays in the success of the company from hiring, through training, into every day interactions sets it up as being the rule rather than the exception.

Employ multiple tools.

Email alone just doesn't cut it anymore. A recent article from Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) states the possibility that "messaging or chat apps may eventually overtake email as the dominant form of workplace communication." With Millennials flooding the workplace, and Gen Z not far behind, email will undoubtedly become antiquated.

Forging an effective HR communication strategy requires leaders to embrace the changing atmosphere and welcome communications in all forms. Texting, apps, phone calls, and video calls each offer unique advantages that build a powerfully functioning network.

Execute productive meetings.

Many employees feel meetings are a drag, but they can be used for building relationships, increasing teamwork, and promoting communication. Set frequent meetings with clear agendas, and encourage participation. Be sure to use video for those who telecommute so they will be more involved.

Create consistent goal visibility.

People unite under a common mission. Leaders must make the company initiative visible and clear to every employee, and clarify their specific roles in attaining it. When teams understand how their contribution helps reach the company goal, they are more likely to communicate with each other and work cohesively to make it happen.

Make a place for crucial information.

In addition to the right tools, each team member needs to know where to go for information. This saves time and increases communication. For example, a project sheet emailed back and forth may not contain the most up-to-date progress. This isn't strong communication. By having a set place for this type of information to live, every team member is on the same page and working with the correct information, which decreases misunderstandings and increases productivity.

Smart leaders continuously promote strong communication within their internal teams. Following these 5 tips assists in constructing stronger communication channels that drive efforts effectively toward the common company goal.

This post has been written by Ken Rhie

Ken is the CEO of Trumpia, a complete SMS software with mass SMS messaging, smart targeting and automation.

Views expressed in this post are entirely the author's and may not always reflect the views of the Employer Resource Center.