The Ontario Broker - Volume 23, Issue 2 - 25

Strategic Alignment
Clearly State Your Purpose
You want your company's mission, vision and values to be wellknown
by staff and not just something mentioned once during
onboarding. Giving the whole staff a unified understanding of the
company's goals will provide context to how everyone contributes
to its success. Internal communications should tie back into these
values to reinforce them whenever possible. Unsurprisingly, the
State of the Sector report recognized strategy, vision and purpose as
the top subject that their organization communicated about.
Make Openness the Norm
Keep staff in the know by consistently communicating through
a recurring channel-this could be through a regular meeting or
an internal newsletter. Let staff know about plans and potential
changes since those will likely affect them the most. Not only will
this make them feel included and prepared for changes, but when
leadership demonstrates being open, it encourages staff to do the
same.
Give Opportunities for Feedback
Rather than just issuing one-way communications, allow staff to
share their thoughts and ideas. This will not only make them feel
more engaged and valued, but as the frontline of the business, their
perspectives can provide valuable insights. Creating a formal system
for staff to provide feedback will generate more submissions from all
staff, rather than informal systems.
Culture and Belonging
Provide Space for Connections
Culture can't exist without communication, so a company should
create an environment that fosters healthy communication
among staff. Even small windows of conversation can make a big
difference. Opening meetings with small talk puts everyone at ease,
makes them feel included and allows them to focus better once the
meeting's agenda begins. Encourage staff to chat on breaks and be
comfortable with one another. This extends to the relationships
between managers and staff as well. Connection grows familiarity
which builds trust.
Keep DEI Considerations Top-of-Mind
Gallagher's report identified Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
as the second most frequently communicated topic. What language
we use is a key factor in DEI, and saying things carefully can be the
difference between making some feel included or excluded. Keep
DEI in mind when communicating internally about celebrating
holidays, planned staff events and kudos to staff. Creating an
inclusive culture where people don't feel left out improves morale
and helps keep staff long term.
Celebrate Wins Publicly
When an employee is doing exceptional work, it's worthwhile to
take the time to recognize that, whether in a staff meeting or an
internal newsletter. It rewards the employee's efforts and serves as an
example to staff of the kind of work the company wants to achieve.
It's a small gesture that can help employees see how they contribute
to the company's overall success and that it's something worth
taking pride in.
IMPROVE YOUR INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS
* Assess Your Current Channels
* Create a Shared Space
* Write and Update Internal Guides
* Clearly State Your Purpose
* Make Openness the Norm
* Give Opportunities for Feedback
* Provide Space for Connections
* Keep DEI Top-of-Mind
* Celebrate Wins Publicly
Internal
communications
play a pivotal
role in creating a
company's identity,
ensuring its smooth
operation, and
ultimately enabling
its success.
Volume 23 | Issue 2
25
The Ontario Broker - Volume 23, Issue 2

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Ontario Broker - Volume 23, Issue 2
