How to Improve In-Office Communication

Though you see your staff daily, you may often feel as if you’re working on separate coasts. Hiring managers are busy managing their own work, which makes it easy for miscommunications to happen if you’re not careful. In order to keep your team in sync, try using these strategies to ensure great in-office communication:

Send out an office newsletter

You think that everyone knows about the new hire or the change in office hours, but it’s hard to be sure sometimes. To verify, send out a monthly or weekly newsletter. This will update your team on the most important information they need to know about, plus it helps to give your business some personality. You can include short interviews with new hires or long-time staffers so that your employees get to know each other a little better. Add in some pictures from recent office outings, and feature fun “did you know?” facts about important dates in company history too.

Set the right tone

As a hiring manager, employees respond to your verbal and non-verbal cues. This means that when you’re having a bad day, you have the ability to change the mood in the office so that others feel this negative vibe too. Make it a point to behave positively at work, even if you don’t always feel cheerful. Employees are highly tuned in to how management is acting, so your attitude can have a direct impact on the rest of the team’s morale.

Be excited about new projects

If you’re embarking on a new project that has you a little overwhelmed, don’t let your team see you sweat. Instead, take on the venture with enthusiasm and confidence. This ensures that the rest of your employees will follow suit. Trust that your staff members have the ability to get the work done.

Be aware of your tone

Some hiring managers are unaware of how their words come across to their employees, and end up speaking to team members in a condescending tone. This can create a negative feeling within the office, and may build up a sense of resentment from your staff. Regardless of title, speak to all employees with respect. Also make sure to take all feedback that your team offers seriously.

Most importantly, your employees should always feel as if they can come to you with questions or concerns. When there’s a communication gap between management and staff, issues can develop quickly. However, when all employees are allowed to express their opinions and suggest ideas, the office is a more open and progressive place.

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