Employee Relations Chapter 11 Fall 2009, MCM 380

Growth of internal communications Wave of downsizings and layoffs Widening pay gulf between executives and “common workers” Move toward globalization Companies that do communicate with employees perform better financially

The Employee Public, questions Is management able to communicate effectively with employees? Is communication trusted, and does it relay appropriate information to employees? Has management communicated its commitment to its employees and to fostering a rewarding working environment?

Communicating effectively in a sea of doubt Respect Honest feedback Recognition A voice Encouragement

Moskowitz’s “Six criteria” Willingness to express dissent Visibility and proximity of upper management Priority of internal to external communication Attention to clarity Friendly tone Sense of humor

Credibility: Employees trust bosses who: Communicated earlier and more frequently Demonstrated trust in employees by sharing bad news as well as good Involved employees in the process by asking for their ideas and opinions

S-H-O-C A four-step process First, communication must be STRATEGIC Second, all communications must be honest Third, all communication must be open Fourth, all communication must be consistent

Online communications 1.Blogs – Web Logs 2.Wikis

Disregard INTRANET ON PAGE 229, Intranet, DATED INFO, disregard that page

Employee annual reports Chief executive’s letter Use-of-funds statement Financial condition Description of the company Social responsibility highlights Staff financial highlights Organizational policy Emphasis on people

Internal videos BK’s in-house video Miller Brewing Company Ford Motor Company Southwest Shuffle # #