Creating a Workplace Culture of Open Communication

In the workplace, “open communication” has become a conceptual buzzword. But it’s more than that because it’s vital to your corporate health.

What is Open Communication?

Open communication in the workplace empowers employees to express their ideas and concerns. Foundational to open communication, employees and employers must exhibit mutual trust, transparency, and respect. Employers have always provided their employees with constructive feedback. However, when open communication holds sway, employees may also offer constructive feedback to their employers.

Such business practice goes beyond “good communication.” This is excellent communication. This is collaborative communication. This is inspiring communication. This type of communication promotes these qualities:

• Greater innovation and initiative.
• Enhanced production.
• Increased engagement.
• Higher talent retention.

However, on the flip side, poor communication leads to misunderstanding and confusion, a lack of trust, low morale, and stunted corporate growth. So, on a measurable level, poor communication shows up as lost sales, decreased production, and employee turnover.

6 Ways to Cultivate Open Communication

This type of open communication doesn’t happen overnight. It takes years to establish open communication in your company’s culture. And perhaps, you’re already fostering this corporate mentality. Or maybe you recognize that communication is a problem area in your organization. Regardless of your business’s “open communication” status, here are some helpful tips:

1. Build Trust.

Excellent communication rests on trust, and you nurture trust through genuine relationships. Take the time to invest relationally in those you lead. Be approachable and present when communicating with your employees. A great way to establish trust is by respecting your employees, their time, and their talents.

2. Lead By Example.

By being transparent, encouraging diverse opinions, and promoting collaboration, you set the tone for open communication throughout the company. It's about leading by example and having the right people in the right roles. An “open door” policy won’t work if a manager is unapproachable or unkind. The entire leadership team must be on board to build a culture of open communication.

3. Request Feedback.

Requesting employee feedback can be humbling, but it is necessary for creating a culture of open communication. Just ask, “What can I do to make your job easier?”

4. Communicate Clearly.

Confusion causes endless workplace drama. Unfortunately, complexity often overshadows clarity. Be clear and concise when writing business handbooks, policies, guidelines, and manuals since transparency will empower your employees with needed information so they can thrive.

5. Hold Regular Meetings.

Consistently provide opportunities for the team to strategize, celebrate wins, hash out unrealized goals, and review upcoming goals. While company-wide gatherings boost morale, smaller departmental “campfire meetings” are often more effective at encouraging participation—and sparking new ideas! Encourage managers to hold quarterly or bi-annual one-on-ones with each team member to discuss goals, ask for feedback, and open the door to communication.

6. Provide Training.

Since open communication rarely happens naturally, your business should incorporate collaborative communication training. Start by teaching active listening and encouraging employees to seek complete understanding before they respond. Use team-building exercises to break down silos while strengthening trust and communication skills across your company’s teams.

At Career Concepts, we help employers like you find the talent you need. For over fifty years, we’ve provided quality, excellence, and authenticity to our clients and candidates. “The Right People. The Right Job." Connect with us today, and let’s get started!