It is said that by around year 2020, almost half of the workforce will be made up of millennials. As this new generation is entering the work place, they are setting new trends and mixing things up.
As a result, a strong company brand has become a critical element in attracting and retaining the new generation of workers, which sets new expectations on clear communication. Just as businesses focus on marketing themselves towards their customers, the way in which they communicate internally – and with potential employees – has become equally as important.
As such, the modern and reshaped work environment creates new challenges, and as a result HR departments are faced with new responsibilities. Sadly, many organisations agree that HR usually apply outdated methods and completely lack the required skillset in establishing efficient communication externally as well as internally.
However, companies that embrace conversation based on Dialogue, as opposed to Discussion, and open up to become more transparent have been more successful in their communication. In fact, new trends suggest that the way a message is delivered should be irrespective of whether the recipient is internal or external.
That is; companies shouldn’t view their existing or potential employees any differently to how they view their customers – and they certainly shouldn’t communicate any differently.
Here are 5 ways that businesses can improve how they communicate with the millennial workforce in order to stay attractive and drive their business forward:
- Don’t be afraid to let your colleagues speak up and have their say. Embrace an open dialogue and ensure that everyone is being seen and heard. Millennials seek purpose and engagement – in life as well as at work. It is important to make them feel like they their voice and contributions matter.
- Communicate – don’t inform. If you thought that you could build your business on one-sided communication from HR and management, you thought wrong!
Storytelling is a popular method to create inspiring and relatable content. By sharing your co-workers’ success stories, you also strengthen the company culture, identity and the sense of unity. - Invest in the technology... You don’t have to spend a fortune on the most advanced communications platform on the market, but there is a great benefit of internal chat tools. Not only does instant messaging save time, it’s also a great way of keeping all team communication in one place and not losing any important details in otherwise cluttered email inboxes.
- … But don’t forget about human interaction. As easily available as everyone is in today’s digital society, don’t forget about face to face catch-ups. Why not arrange open meetings where the employees can ask questions to management?
Not only do millennials demand feedback for the sake of affirmation – it is also to learn and improve. - Nominate a representative who can moderate, follow up and respond. Raised in a fast-paced and dynamic era, millennials see the importance of speed and access to data in order to perform at work. With most information at your fingertips, there is simply no reason to wait 3-5 working days for a request.
How do you think businesses need to adapt to keep up with the new millennial workforce? I’d love to hear your views!
https://hrbloggen.se/2018/09/vassa-er-internkommunikation-5-tips.html
