How do you encourage employee voice in your internal communication?

1 Listen actively

The first step to encourage employee voice is to listen actively to what your employees have to say. Active listening means paying attention, asking questions, paraphrasing, and giving feedback. It also means acknowledging and respecting different perspectives, even if you disagree with them. By listening actively, you can show your employees that you value their input and that you are willing to learn from them. You can also identify the issues, needs, and expectations that matter to them and address them accordingly.

3 Empower participation

The third step to encourage employee voice is to empower participation from your employees in your internal communication. Participation means involving your employees in the creation, delivery, and evaluation of your internal communication. It also means giving them opportunities to share their ideas, stories, and insights with their colleagues and leaders. You can empower participation by using collaborative tools, such as intranets, social media, or blogs. You can also create forums, events, or campaigns that invite your employees to contribute to your internal communication goals and strategies.

4 Recognize contribution

The fourth step to encourage employee voice is to recognize contribution from your employees in your internal communication. Recognition means acknowledging and appreciating your employees for their input and impact. It also means celebrating and rewarding their achievements and successes. You can recognize contribution by using various methods, such as shout-outs, testimonials, awards, or incentives. You can also highlight and showcase the best practices, examples, or case studies of employee voice in your internal communication.

6 Adapt continuously

The sixth step to encourage employee voice is to adapt continuously to the changing needs and preferences of your employees in your internal communication. Adaptation means being flexible, responsive, and innovative in your internal communication. It also means seeking new ways to engage, inform, and inspire your employees. You can adapt continuously by using various methods, such as experimenting with different formats, channels, or styles. You can also monitor the trends, feedback, and data of your internal communication and adjust accordingly.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?