1.4.3 Employee Communications

Question 1

What is the biggest problem in regard to employee communication?

Answer 1

the employees fail to read

Question 2

What are some suggestions for making communication readable?

Answer 2

• Use simple language that can be understood by all employees
• Keep sentences short, normally less than 20 words
• Keep discussion of each issues to less than one page
• Use wide margins on all sides
• Use a graphic whenever it contributes to the explanation
• Keep the communications short. Handbooks, for example, should normally be less than 30 pages. Memos should begin with an executive summary that is less than one page, Additional information should only be added if it is needed. Bulletins need to have clearly-worded headings to let employees know if they should read the subsequent section

Question 3

List some of the communication devices used by employers

Answer 3

written memos, bulletin boards, email messages, voice mail messages, text messages, and newsletters

Question 4

What are the advantages of voice mail, text, and email messages

Answer 4

they can be simultaneously transmitted to a list of individuals. This list can be edited so that only the designated people receive the targeted information.

Question 5

What are the disadvantages of having multiply forms of communication?

Answer 5

The ease of transmitting information tends to increase the likelihood of communication overload

Question 6

What forms of communication do employers have less control over?

Answer 6

social media and personal blogs

Question 7

What are some suggestions for a technology use policy?

Answer 7

• Clearly state that all electronic communication are subject to being monitored and that employees should have no expectation of privacy
• Explain that all electronic devices and equipment by the employer are to be used for business purposes and establish guideline on inappropriate use
• Explain that the privacy of electronic communications cannot be assured even with passwords and encryption
• Established guidelines on the proper use and dissemination of confidential data
• Provide guidelines regarding the rights to privacy and how they can be violated
• Describe the consequences of misusing technology and require employees to sign a statement acknowledge
• Help employees understand that they are ambassadors for the company’s brand and what they write on social media sites may be distributed to the world even if they only share it with “friends”
• Encourage employees to think twice before posting comments that would be embarrassing when read by their CEO, spouse, or gamily members
• State that when an individual’s employment is terminated, his or her personal devices can be wiped clean of all company data