Here’s why employees need to be well-informed

At the end of the day, all organizational problems can be boiled down to one thing: communication. Poor communication is a quick route to an “us vs. them” mentality, while clear communication helps create a “we” feeling.

When employees feel included in important decisions, they will feel like a true partner in the business. They will feel more connected, too. Because when employees understand the “why,” they are more likely to align with your organization, even if they don’t fully understand or totally agree with how you are going about things.

Research suggests that at typical organizations, only 49% of employees responded positively to this survey statement: “I feel well-informed about important decisions at this company.”

Think about it: How well can an organization perform when fewer than half of employees feel like they know what is going on?

At Top Workplaces, well-informed employees are the norm. Here, the positive response jumps to a range of 70% to 82%.

Communication is even more important when there’s instability. Managers often communicate less in troubled times — when they should be communicating more. And sometimes, people under-communicate because they are not sure what they can share. Usually, a little more transparency is helpful.

How do you know if your employees feel well-informed about important decisions? Ask them! Next, set a plan to communicate important decisions effectively throughout the organization, from the top to the front line. Be sure to include all stakeholders in important decisions. There will be a lot more buy-in to decisions that people felt involved in making.

Done right, you will notice employees are more receptive to change, more likely to participate, and more willing to give their best each day.

Laura Brinton is content marketing director at Energage, a Philadelphia-based employee survey firm. Energage is The Washington Post’s partner for Top Workplaces. To nominate your company as a Top Workplace, go to washingtonpost.com/nominate.