Workplace Communication Techniques,
Ideas and Strategies
Tired of the same old boring workplace communication methods?
Do you need workplace communication techniques that break through the clutter, increase memory retention, entertain and communicate a message effectively and with impact?
One of my clients, said he needed to bounce some ideas off me. He was doing a campaign to staff to communicate a sensitive issue. He did not have the budget to outsource the campaign, but just needed some good ideas.
What is it that communicators really need help with? What tips and advice are communicators looking for when it comes to internal comms?
Internal comms and internal comms jobs should play a vital role in every company. Take one of my most valued clients, for example. We had worked with her at 3 blue chip financial services companies and through two company mergers – as well as having worked on integration campaigns, staff motivation, backlog wipeout, HIV/Aids awareness, call center campaigns, strategies to increase service levels, fraud awareness plus just about any other human resources issue you can think of.
What information could I give her that would make her job easier?
I then started looking for ways that would really make a measurable difference to her and other clients like her. Ways that would also work for you or any internal marketing and workplace communication situation.
That's when I decided on this website where I can offer a whole lot of ideas, information and really different, new and novel workplace communication methods - specifically for communicators, public relations and HR practitioners. Plus interesting case studies with examples of what has worked in other companies. New creative ways of doing things differently for maximum impact!
There are two types of workplace communication campaigns:
- Workplace communication campaigns that create or increase awareness; and
- Behavior change campaigns where behavior change is required for long lasting change and buy in
We have used behavior change and awareness campaigns to:
- Increase sales
- Cut costs
- Streamline the supply chain
- Improve inefficient processes and poor productivity
- Increase revenue and profitability
- Improve operational efficiency
- Decrease employee turnover
- Decrease operational expenses
and much more!
What would a 10% or even 1% improvement in key operating metrics such as profit margins, rates and cost savings mean to your company?
OR how you can save large amounts of money by increasing accuracy?
Never underestimate the importance of workplace communication.
Workplace communication plays a vital role in every aspect of an organization. It will minimize employee uncertainty and resistance and will gain the employee's cooperation. 50% of a manager's time is spent resolving people problems relating to trust issues and poor communication. Communication can eliminate management time spent on handling employee conflict.
It deals with problems, the ripple effect of which impacts on operational efficiencies and the bottom line.
Some examples of what we have used workplace communication campaigns for:
- To improve productivity. One of our clients increased productivity by 17%. Consider the impact of a saving like that on a company's profitability.
- Increase sales - A "Sales at the Speed of Sound" campaign resulted in 69% of my client's sales force reaching target at stage 3 of the campaign after 10 days. Prior to that only 22% had reached target.
- One client saw a 9% percent increase in sales conversions and a 25% increase in the average order size from their online sales.
- Reduce energy expenditure/usage by 10%.
- Streamline processes to increase operational efficiency.
- Consider the cost of an accident or the cost of employees not doing their job.
Getting a message across in a novel, effective way with high impact can make the difference between a message being heard or ignored.
Every workplace communication must have a clear objective and message, must be clear and concise and well structured.
Do something different - Make your communication CREATIVE
- Use a variety of media to increase memory retention
- Entertain
- Communicate a message clearly and concisely
We can use anything from a “now” chocolate to motivate staff to reach target NOW, a toilet roll to communicate the effectiveness of “simple 
solutions”, sardines to “capture market share”, “eye drops to clear your vision”, or even send a hole for a “whole new perspective” on service (yes, we can even package holes and get a message across at
the same time). Recently we had actors dressed as beggars walking around the building ‘begging’ staff to attend the retirement workshop, run by HR, and to not end up like them.
All these workplace communication campaigns included well planned messaging, research and evaluation, a slogan and novel imagery and artwork.
“When one of our clients had a backlog problem - we suggested that the Head of Operations challenge one of the key staff members and his team to clear the backlog by a certain date. If he succeeded the Operations Head would wash the staff member’s car. This brought the team together and added a fun element and created awareness and competition around clearing the backlog. Bets were taken and a vote line was set up. They cleared the backlog two weeks ahead of schedule which resulted in cost savings. Three prizes were offered to the people in the department who were most instrumental in achieving the target.
Use these workplace communication techniques. They work.
By adding a little creativity you can change the face of communication in your company regardless of the number of staff you have.
This is what else you will find:
Information about a variety of topics such as workplace accident claim, internal comms jobs, general comms jobs, workplace accidents,
internal comms, vista business cards, free business checking methods, logo and artwork ideas to order business cards, brochures, pamphlets etc, business hosting, campaigns to create awareness on injuries in the workplace, workplace accident prevention and tips on business liability insurance (accidents in the workplace can be reduced with correct communication and behavior change), how to make online business cards, and time & attendance tips and software and other topics.
Tips
Tips like - communicate early, be open and honest, don't let employees hear important information via the grapevine. Listen to employees and deal with questions. Encourage feedback and ideas. Research has shown that employees who feel listened to are 32% more loyal to their company.
Great ways of giving your newsletter the edge, good tips concerning your communication on the intranet, fun lift, bathroom and pause area communication methods, etc.
Unusual ideas
We also have unusual rewards and recognition. Exotic places to hold a brainstorming session. How about a brainstorm or teamwork session at the South Pole - or walking with elephants. If that doesn't appeal to you look at other ideas we have.
Feedback
Many pages have a section where you can share your ideas, frustrations or offer advice and ideas and advice of others. Contact us.
Products and services
As far as products and services go I will only recommend products and services that are of a high standard. If you have good suggestions of better ideas let me know. Contact us for help you with your workplace communication.
We continually add information and ideas to the site all the time. So keep an eye out for new information that has been added.
To read the latest workplace news click here!
Here are some more great pages you might like!
Communication tools checklist
Workplace communication tools checklist with different types of effective communication methods, filled with many great ideas of workplace communication techniques that increase memory retention of messages and break through the clutter in order increase employee morale, teamwork and productivity. Read more
Communication topics and Ideas
Business communication articles, communication topics and ideas. Read more
Communication methods and tools
What is communication?
Definition of communication and ways to improve staff understanding with effective types of workplace communication. Communication is the imparting or exchanging of information and the sharing of ideas or feelings. It entails the process of creating meaning. Read more
Types of workplace communication
Effective types of workplace communication are necessary for the success of an office and the organization as a whole. When workplace communications systems don't function correctly the potential for the office to operate in a smooth, efficient manner is undermined. Read more
Types communication medium
Types of communication medium that can be 
used for employee engagement and retention. Types of Workplace communication medium topics such as grapevine communication, examples non verbal communication, nonverbal communication articles, definition of communication, definition of interpersonal communication. Read more
Bulletin board ideas
Novel fall bulletin board ideas and ideas for any type of bulletin board. Read more
Electronic communication
Technology and human communication - how we communicate at work -
20 tips and information on technology and human communication and the advantages and disadvantages of email and other types of electronic communication in the workplace. Read more
Email communication
Email is just one of the types of electronic communication available to us. Advantages and disadvantages of email and other types of electronic communication. Read more
Company intranets
Intranets in companies such as the Davita intranet - their purpose, role, benefits, how effective they can be.
A company intranet helps to keep employees up to speed on various happenings within the company and they can be used as a way of communicating by posting various newsletters, articles, and company training documents. Read more
Social marketing
Social marketing has proven to be a logical offshoot of traditional online marketing. As the world of web 2.0 expanded the potential to communicate online, social networks emerged. Read more
Social networking
A brief overview of the 3 top social networking providers.
Social networking is growing in popularity. There are a lot of different social networking sites and platforms out there. It can be tricky to decide which one you should use. Here is a look at the top 3 providers and what you can expect when using them. Read more
Blogging
Free blogger templates for layout make setting up your blog simple
Blogger layouts can help make creating your blog simple. These layouts are already designed and put together so all you do is take them, add your personal touch by entering your information and you are ready to start blogging. Read more
Twitter
Top tips for using twitter tools. Read more
Myspace
3 top tips for using myspace gadgets.
Myspace is an interactive website that is one of the most popular because you can control how simply or complex the interface is. There are many gadgets and widgets you can use in order to spruce up your company myspace page. Read more
Facebook
Face book login instruction - step by step instructions for logging into facebook.
Many businesses and individuals today have facebook pages and it has become one of the most popular social networking sites in a very short amount of time. Read more
Youtube
Youtube layouts in 5 easy steps.
Youtube has become a very popular way in which to share videos that can be educational and humorous and most companies use the medium as a way in which to communicate and advance their business endeavors. Read more
New media
New media definition: what is new media technology?
Perhaps you have heard someone mention "new media" and wonder what exactly they are referring to, but when they use the term "new media" they are referring to a broad term used to explain the advances in technology. The basic principle behind new media is that it can be any application that transfers information via technology techniques, such as computers, digital devices, and data networks. Read more
Newsletters and newspapers
Newspaper layout templates and how to make a newsletter as a workplace communication tool -
Before choosing from the many newspaper layout templates available, define what you want your employee newsletter to do. Read more
Brochures
How to find and use a brochure template in Microsoft word in 4 easy steps.
Creating brochures for businesses has become a very popular way of communicating their products and services to potential customers. Read more
Posters
Examples of poster slogans.
Companies use poster slogans constantly in order to promote a product or service as a way to communicate with your customers or clients concerning what you sell or what you company is about. Read more
Logos
Wells Fargo logo campaign branding, how the world recognizes you -
Logos, such as the Wells Fargo logo or coke logo are an essential part of the brand identity of a company. Read more
Letterheads
Letterhead templates - a letterhead is an essential part of a company's corporate identity. The letterhead design can take many formats. Read more
Certificates
Create a free certificate using this award certificate template to acknowledge staff. Read more
Envelopes
Envelope templates -
Use these great envelope templates for new and unusual envelope ideas. There are also standard envelope ideas. Read more
Invitations
Create invitations for any workplace communication occasion. Read more
Business cards
Create business cards to promote yourself. Read more
Annual reports
Annual report layout tips and ideas. Good annual report layout or layout of other company publications such as magazines, brochures and newsletters is important as it reflects the professionalism of the company. Read more
Letters
Letter writing examples and examples of tone in writing -
Under letter writing examples and types of written workplace communication you will find information as well as new, novel ideas. Read more
Memos
Example memo -
Click to see the example memo. A memo is still an effective way to communicate effectively with staff. Because they are less commonly used these days - as email has taken over as the main form of modern workplace communication - they can draw more attention. Read more
Meetings and presentations
Meeting agenda templates that give tips on compiling an agenda. This outline can be adapted for any type of meeting or workplace communication presentation. Read more
Creative presentation idea
Creative presentation idea - running meetings and presentations that keep staff engaged -
Use creative presentation idea examples, fun debate topics, good persuasive topics and controversial topics to liven up meetings and presentations. Read more
Meeting icebreakers
Benefits of icebreaker games for the workplace.
Icebreaker games are excellent to use in the workplace as a way in which to help the team get to know each other and feel more comfortable working together. Read more
Communication campaigns
How to create a campaign
Funny campaign slogans and how to write a campaign -
Funny campaign slogans are a great tool for creating an interesting campaign. Click here to see slogan ideas and campaign strategies. Read more
Campaign objectives
Sample objectives for campaigns and strategies - why is goal setting important -
here are sample objectives for campaigns and strategies. Make your objectives: specific, measurable, actionable, relevant and timely (s.m.a.r.t) where possible. Read more
Writing
Timing
Campaign slogans
Good campaign slogans and how to create a campaign -
Over 100 good campaign slogans ideas, candy slogans, top 100 slogans, stupid t-shirt slogans and much more. Read more
Campaign themes
Main idea activities - top 3 tips for coming up with good ideas for the workplace! Read more
Generating great ideas
How to take initiative, generating new ideas -
How to take initiative is important for creating new and different workplace communication strategies. Read more
Giveaway ideas
Goody bag idea and strange unique gifts -
Goody bag idea options for 
any type of gift. Read more
Strange unique gifts
Strange unique gifts and unusual fun gifts -
294 strange unique gifts and unusual fun gifts, safety giveaways, unusual holiday gifts, unusual xmas gifts, male gift ideas, baby giveaways, unusual chocolate gifts, unique best friend gifts, unique bridal shower ideas, holiday gift ideas for women. Read more
Employee engagement
Importance of workplace communication skills in the workplace on
employee engagement -
The importance of communication skills can be seen when good, quality communication occurs that prevents misunderstandings, miscommunication and conflict. It produces productive work and performance that ultimately impacts the company's bottom line. Read more
Teamwork
Explore teamwork theories to find the best solution for your organization and situation. Read more
Efficiency and productivity
Productivity formula employee engagement for the workplace -
Productivity formula to promote efficiency and productivity, how to calculate productivity - the 80-20 formula. Read more
Time management
Three important tips for learning time management skills.
Time management may be the most essential skill to have in the workplace since it increases productivity and help a business make more money. Read more
Motivation and morale
Office morale boosters - an effective employee engagement strategy -
morale builders are an important and powerful tool in the workplace to inspire workers and can have a dramatic effect on the office setting and mood. Read more
Employee incentive ideas
Ideas for employee incentives and types 
of incentive plans -
Ideas for employee incentives - new, innovative ideas are always needed by workplace communicators and human resource practitioners to increase employee loyalty and performance. Employee incentives, recognition and an employee engagement strategy are important tools that are used to do this. Read more
Vision and values
14 examples of values - values morals ethics entail a set of principles that define the rules or standards that govern the conduct of a person or the members of a profession. Read more
Customer service
Customer service with excellence is vital to retaining clients and growing market share. Read more
Effective communicate strategies
Effective communicate strategies in the workplace -
To be effective communicate strategies to your employees. This can be done with various types of workplace communication such as grapevine communication and other types of electronic communication. Read more
Employee engagement strategy
Employee engagement strategy and types of effective workplace communication. Employee engagement strategy and employee incentive ideas to promote teamwork in the workplace. Read more
Employee performance evaluation
Learning the importance of employee performance software and what it does.
Employee performance software refers to software that helps management more efficiently perform a number of tasks related to employees. Read more
Employee surveys
Sample employee surveys - the role they play, how important they are and what type of information can be attained from them. Read more
Retirement
Retirement wishes and celebration ideas -
Retirement wishes, retirement gift suggestions, wording on retirement plaque, retirement party ideas and other ways to acknowledge an employee or friend who is retiring. Read more
Awareness days
5 key employee motivation factors.
Keeping employees motivated is one of the oldest supervisory skills that has been taught repeatedly through the years in more ways than probably anything else in the workplace. Read more
Admin assistants' day
Admin assistants' day and other special days to celebrate in the workplace admin assistants' day is just one of the many special days celebrated in organizations throughout the world. It is observed on the Wednesday of the last full week of April. Read more
Bosses day
Happy bosses day - tips on making bosses day special.
You probably know about national bosses day, but perhaps you have often wondered how to go about celebrating it. Read more
Birthdays
Fun birthday facts - ways to celebrate a birthday at work.
Birthdays are something that come around every year and when you work in an office setting or any other environment, you like to be remembered on your birthday. Read more
Christmas
Top ten Christmas gifts ideas for the workplace.
Obviously, the holidays are always a special time for most people, but being able to share the holiday season with your employees often stirs up motivation. Read more
Earth day campaigns
When is earth day? Earth day campaigns for the workplace -
When is earth day? Earth day is the 22 April every year. This date of earth day is not to be confused with world environment day, which falls on 5 June. Read more
Halloween
6 fun Halloween facts - Halloween is not just for kids, adults of all ages in the workplace, enjoy having a day when they can be silly and even dress up for a day at the office. Read more
American independence day celebration
The purpose of American independence day celebration and how it can be applied to the workplace. Read more
Labor day
Labor day clipart - what is labor day and how you can motivate employees. Read more
Vegetarian day
Hug a vegetarian day - employee health wellness programs -
Hug a vegetarian day started as an internet holiday in 2006. About 36,176 people signed up for hug a vegetarian day on peta2 website that year and it has became a huge holiday ever since. Read more
National hug day
National hug day - the benefits of national hug day to workplace relations -
National hug day, presidents day holiday, happy bosses day, celebrate labor day, bubble wrap day - these are just some of the special days celebrated in the workplace. Click on these links for more on special days such as memorial day and for strange unique gifts and giveaways. Read more
Memorial day
Memorial day 2010, memorial day activities and festivities -
Memorial day 2010, why do we celebrate memorial, memorial day trivia, meaning of memorial day and when it is. The celebration of memorial day has been traditionally held on the last Monday of the month of May. Read more
Easter
What are Easter baskets? 8 tips on Easter basket to make
Easter basket to make - 8 tips and ideas...
Easter and baskets just seem to go together, you can hardly imagine one without the other. Read more
Valentines day
Valentines day facts and unique Valentines ideas: Valentines day is celebrated on February 14. Established by pope gelasius I
in 496 ad, Valentine's day is celebrated by sending or exchanging gifts in forms of flowers... Read more
HIV/Aids awareness
The meaning of aids symbols
Frequently, sensitivity training is integrated into workplace communications. One area were such communications is needed is in the realm of HIV/aids. read more
Gift ideas
Holiday gifts for coworkers ideas
Holiday gifts for coworkers can prove to be quite fun to pick. A little workplace communication goes a long way in this regard. By "mining" the opinions of others in the office, you might be able to figure out scores of different ideas for gifts and selections. Read more
Holiday treats
Is an office party looming on the holiday horizon? If it is then those planning the parties need to take a little time out to research holiday punch recipes. Read more
Employee recognition programs
There are many benefits of employee recognition programs
The benefits of employee recognition programs are an invaluable way in which to boost morale and motivation in any work environment. Read more
Creative employee recognition programs
Creative employee recognition programs and their benefits.
There are many benefits of employee recognition programs and these programs can be implemented with little money, if you are short on budget. Read more
Employee rewards and recognition
Employee rewards and recognition - importance of it, why companies reward and recognize staff. Read more
Funny employee awards
Funny employee awards for employee recognition -
Over 30 funny employee awards examples and ideas. Great for employee recognition, employee retention, employee of the month programs and employee engagement campaigns. Read more
Employee of the month programs
Employee of the month programs and well designed employee service award program methods are effective in motivating staff. Read more
Employee retention
Employee engagement
Strategy and employee retention tips eg Bellsouth employee benefits - new, novel ideas on employee retention, employee behavior modification, causes of employee turnover. Read more
Employee retention tips
Employee retention tips employee engagement strategy to retain staff -
22 employee retention tips and office morale boosters to engage with and retain valuable employees. Knowing how to retain good employees is important in the workplace. Read more
Causes of employee turnover
6 common causes of employee turnover and workforce managers role in how to prevent them. Read more
Training development
4 reasons to have an employee training development program in your company.
Many companies use employee training development as a powerful way in which to not just train employees, but to create an environment of open communication, and a way for employees to further advance their careers. Read more
Further education
4 top home study tips for employees studying part time.
You may be studying at home, during your off-hours, if you are attending college part-time.
Many employees are furthering their education, which can make them more valuable in the workplace. Read more
Corporate social responsibility
The definition of social responsibility is the obligation of an organization's management team towards the interests and welfare of the society or community that provides it with resources and environment to not only survive but flourish. Read more
Going green mean?
What is going green and what does going green mean? Going green is a phrase used to describe daily methods to save the environment. Read more
Sustainability
United Nations commission sustainable development is a 300 page plan for achieving environmental protection in the 21st century. Read more
Electricity saving and awareness
How to save energy at home and at work... Saving energy is critical these days, especially as natural resources used in the production of energy are being depleted. Read more
Recycling paper
Facts about recycling paper and reasons why I
should recycle -
By knowing the facts about recycling paper, the costs incurred and the savings it is possible to make - and by changing our behavior we can make a positive impact on the environment. Read more
Workplace issues nonverbal communication
Types of nonverbal communication techniques and ideas to use to communicate with staff. This includes internal comms on how to deal with eg an accident in the workplace and how to handle a workplace accident claim for injury in the workplace. Read more
Change management
Quotes on change ideas for the workplace:
While change in the workplace might not be comfortable for most people, it can be easier for those who have open workplace communication. Read more
Corporate whistle blowing
Corporate whistle blowing fraud awareness and prevention, the promotion of corporate whistle blowing by means of awareness and behavior change campaigns is vital for fraud and corruption prevention and the promotion of values, morals and ethics. Read more
Disability
Social security disability lawyers can help you with a social security legal case. Social security provides a safety net. Read more
Employee induction and orientation
Effective employee orientation programs for the workplace -
Tips and techniques on how to administer effective employee orientation programs. Read more
Mergers and acquisitions
Define integration, is role in changing workplaces and decreasing management resistance to change -
The definition of integration is the process of integrating or combining of previously separated groups or companies. Read more
Hostile work environments
Hostile work environment lawsuit effective communicate strategies -
A hostile work environment lawsuit becomes necessary in a situation where an individual is unable to perform his or her duties to the best of his or her abilities because of the behavior of others who work within the company. Read more
Retrenchments and job layoffs
Job layoffs and wrongful employee termination -
How to communicate job layoffs and how it affects morale in the company - and how to reassure staff who are not being laid off. Read more
Workplace safety
Work place safety posters and free safety presentations -
Work place safety posters to alert your employees to potentially dangerous activities and provide them with instructions on what to do in an emergency. Read more
Safety meetings
Safety meeting topics - good persuasive topics to discuss in workplace safety meetings -
18 safety meeting topics and rules for running a meeting to keep the workplace safe. Read more
Employee safety award
Employee safety award -
Why it is important to have employee safety awards and how it encourages safety in the workplace. Read more
Safety photos
Share your funny safety photos. Read more
Other issues
Employee health and wellness programs - vital to workplace wellbeing. Employee health and wellness programs have been proven to increase productivity, effectiveness and loyalty of employees. Read more
Employee versus independent contractor
Making the decision - employee versus independent contractor can be difficult as both have benefits.
The decision to hire an employee or an independent contractor is an important issue that no business should take lightly. Consider the pros and cons of each to help you make a decision. Read more
There are many other issues such as employee withholding form.
Staff restaurants, canteens and pause areas
Menu samples for restaurant - great ideas for your canteen or workplace restaurant. Great healthy menu options to keep your staff healthy... Read more
Photo sharing gallery
Share your photos ideas. Read more
Top job search websites
Top job search websites - when it comes to searching for jobs, it is often quite difficult for the job seeker and job poster to know what are the best websites in order to make that connection. Read more
Career change
50 career change - tips on changing careers later in life.
Changing career paths later in life is becoming much more commonplace than it was just a few short years ago. Read more
Career change reason
Why people change careers.
See the six reasons people change careers. Many people change careers by making a conscious effort to return to college or get the necessary training they need in order to change their careers and other just fall into it, there are many reasons why people change careers throughout their lives, some people may change careers numerous times in their lives. Read more
Job applications
Kmart job application - where to find the application form. Read more
Working from home
Looking for work from home ideas and business opportunities. Read more
Workplace ideas for communication book
Workplace communication book
Become a contributor to the workplace communication tips and techniques book. Read more
