Introduction
This paper aims at developing an employee communication plan for Consolidated Electricals based on its case study.
Employee communications plan objective
The aim of Consolidated Electricals (CE) is to deliver an employee communication plan that offers explicit, illuminating and engaging bidirectional communications. Additionally, the communication framework is intended to improve the communication between the employees and D. Emmett Shane the company’s CEO. Also, Mishra (2014) insists that internal communication helps to create transparency between the employees and management.
Employee communications plan goals and strategies
First, CE strategy will simplify the communication between the workers and Shane. Importantly, most of the employees except a few executives have never met the CEO before. Thus, this strategy will improve interaction and create trust between the employees and management (Saks, 2006). Second, it will promote bidirectional feedback with workers and consistent responses. Hence, there will be meaningful communication when appropriate. Third, the communication strategy has a goal of reviewing the MEMOS and webcasts to ensure they are effective. The case study indicates that the webcast was the most ineffective means of communication (Case Study, n. d.). The communication plan will make webcast more engaging and efficient. Also, the strategies will improve the communication between the CEO and employees through the local newspaper. Fourth, the goal is to identify other communication means that D. Emmett can use to engage with the employees. These methods include meetings, seminars, emails and other informative channels that will ensure a fruitful communication. Further, the strategies aim at creating means through which the CEO can target specific employees from different departments to ensure that communication is productive. An effective internal communication will motivate the employees to improve productivity leading to profitability (Lowenstein, 2006).
Employee communication approach
The CE communication plan aims at enhancing employee communication mechanism. The approach will change how employees and the management engage and seek feedback. It will help the company determine best practices and tactics to improve the productivity of the employees. Also, it will enhance trust within the organization and even improve performance (Gavin and Mayer, 2005). Most importantly, the employee communication approach focuses on developing various strategies such as channels, strategies, key messages, communication avenues and tactical plans.
Six-month employee communication structure
The communication strategy will include different channels each meant to engage the employees in a different way.
Internet
The Internet will help communicate business metrics to the employees. Additionally, it will notify the workers on any updates and other direct communication from D. Emmett. The company should endeavor to post daily on its official website. It is vital for Consolidated Electronic to redesign its website and make any necessary updates (Allison, Claire, Kristin and Lauren, n. d.). The redesign should focus on creating employees’ departmental pages to improve engagement. The Internet will also help meet the needs of the young generation. Cogin (2012) states that responding to the needs of the young generation allows them to stay longer reducing employment turnover.
The CE should implement an email information bulletin system. This approach will be more engaging and help the employees understand the goals of the company. The engagement will also improve performance (Harvard Business, 2013). D. Emmett can also use the emails to consult with the employees and even get feedback. Also, emails are ideal for sharing the company’s reports. Emails will be sent on a weekly basis for the period of six months.
Meetings
Importantly, Consolidated Electricals has not been using meetings in its communication structure. D. Emmett will appreciate holding a meeting where all employees are in attendance. On their part, the employees should be encouraged to attend all meeting and take notes. There should be a CEO meeting twice each month, and employee motivation meetings weekly within the six months. The meetings will boost performance helping the CE realize increased profits. In his research on Singapore Airlines, Chong (2007) notes that face to face communication can contribute to attain the “brand promise.”
Conclusion
The six-month employee communication plan will improve engagement among the employees, management, and CEO. In the period of six months, the company’s website will be updated daily, there will be weekly emails and 18 meetings.
References
Allison, T., Claire., Kristin., & Lauren., (n.d.). Consolidated Electronics: Strategic Communication Plan.
Chong, M. (2007). The role of internal communication and training in infusing corporate values and delivering brand promise: Singapore Airlines' experience. Corporate Reputation Review, 10(3), 201-212.
Cogin, J. (2012). Are generational differences in work values fact or fiction? Multi-country evidence and implications. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 23(11), 2268-2294.
Gavin, M. B., & Mayer, R. C. (2005). Trust in management and performance: Who minds the shop while the employees watch the boss?. Academy of Management Journal, 48(5), 874-888.
Harvard Business Review Analytic Services., (2013).The Impact of Employee Engagement on Performance. Harvard Business School Publishing.
Mishra, K. (2014). Driving Employee Engagement The Expanded Role of Internal Communications. International Journal of Business Communication, 51(2), 183-202.
Lowenstein, M. (2006). The trust equation: Build employee relationship credibility, rapport and integrity to leverage customer advocacy. CRMGuru. Retrieved on 3rd June 2016 from http://customerthink.com/201/
Saks, A. M. (2006). Antecedents and consequences of employee engagement. Journal of managerial psychology, 21(7), 600-619.
