By Theresa Bontempo
One of the most important parts of running a successful business is good communication with your employees. However, many companies don’t have an internal communications plan even though 70% of the workplace would be more productive with an effective communication strategy. Engaging employees that have deskless jobs, such as those in the hospitality, food service, automotive, and manufacturing industries is often difficult because they may miss important information, or be unaware of shifting priorities or company goals.
In the past lots of organizations used corkboards in breakrooms to communicate all sorts of internal communications, however there’s a better way to do this. Digital signage for employee communications is the most effective way to keep workers engaged, satisfied, and less likely to leave their position. But how can you be sure it will work for your staff?
This article will be discussing:
- What the benefits are to using digital signage for internal communications
- 4 ways digital signage can help employee communication
- One of the best platforms for digital signage that will improve communication and reduce turnover
The advantages of using digital signage for internal communications
What are the benefits to going with a digital solution for employee communication?
Digital signs make it easy to communicate with deskless employees, and ensure that all members of the team are up to date on important information. Image courtesy of Automotive Instincts.
Making the switch to employee engagement software that offers digital signage solutions is one of the best ways your company can really start to make employee communication a priority. Using digital signage for internal communication plans has a lot of benefits including:
- Improves engagement. One of the toughest parts about running a business is the lack of employee engagement. Only 33% of the workforce reports feeling engaged, which means there’s a lot that can be improved upon. Digital signage is one of the best options to ensure that employees always have easy access to information they need to do their jobs properly. It’s your go-to option for disseminating company wide information in a way that ensures all employees of all shifts will see it.
Signage in common areas also gives management the chance to make goals visible to everyone on that shift. That way if they’re working towards a specific number (number of sales, how quickly food can be prepared, etc.), everyone will know not only what the goal is, but who on the team is reaching it. This type of communication helps employees feel more engaged in their duties. And when the time comes for recognition, digital signage is the way to go in order to call out employees who went above and beyond. Engaged employees feel confident that their managers have open lines of communication with them, that their efforts are rewarded, and that it’s beneficial to take pride in their work.
- Increases productivity. Engaged employees want to put their best work forward and feel a sense of accomplishment when they do. When they know exactly what is expected of them, you can see how staff productivity can increase. Also knowing that they’ll get rewarded/recognized for doing a job well done is a fantastic motivator to keep employees going throughout their shift.
An increase in productivity also means that there is the chance for an increase in revenue, as more can get done (and done correctly) in a shorter amount of time.
- Reduces turnover. Turnover rates are very high in certain industries, especially the hospitality industry. Having a steady stream of turnover means that someone new always needs to be trained and brought up to speed on their duties and learn what is expected of them. This can drain on the time of other team members, and reduce their productivity. Digital signage can be used to help motivate and inform employees about new information or perks/benefits of working on the job that they may not have been aware of.
It also is a great tool to use to encourage professional development and training, so that employees can see that they have a future at their current place of work. Engaged and satisfied employees are less likely to leave a position, ensuring that their experience and expertise stays where they’re at.
- Promotes a positive work culture. Having friendly competitions, using the sign to recognize the achievements of employees, marking milestones, and encouraging open communication and feedback with management are all ways to promote a more positive work environment. No one wants to work in a place where they feel like their supervisors do not listen to their concerns or answer questions. Digital signage can be used in both these instances—it makes it easy for employees to give feedback, displays information, and can provide answers to common questions.
Shift can give your company the digital signage solutions you’re looking for. Our employee engagement platform delivers effective communication to your workers through digital screens. Your customized content can use real-time data and metrics to increase productivity, reduce employee turnover, and maximize your profit. Upgrade from the corkboard to a digital solution and you’ll be on your way to happier, more engaged employees.
4 ways digital signage can help employee communications
Turning to digital signage for your internal communication with employees is a great way to boost its impact
Need to improve your method for internal employee communications? Try a digital signage solution. Image courtesy of Wellbees.
Ensuring that employees receive the information they need to not only do their jobs, but to learn what’s expected of them during each shift as well as company-wide news is an essential part of a communication program. Businesses that make it a point to have a well-functioning system to disseminate information to all employees find that these workers feel more engaged and productive at their jobs—and enjoy a reduction in the overall cost of relating information.
So what are some of the ways that digital signage can help employee communication?
Make internal communications more effective
It doesn’t make sense to send important information emails or create updates on social media if your employees don’t see them. A lot of deskless employees might not even have a company email, or be able to check their phones consistently. Others might not use social media. Digital display signage in employee gathering areas is the best way to improve on this type of communication program. Instead of creating a lot of separate emails to get information across, why not just keep it on the digital sign so that all employees can get the same information on any shift? Changes that happen in real-time need to be sent out to workers so that they can make any adjustments, and using signs to relay those notices ensures that all employees have a chance to see it.
If shifts change often at your business, a digital sign is a fantastic way to ensure that everyone is aware of the internal change and will know what to expect from the start. It’s also the most effective place to inform workers if they are short-staffed and whether or not there is a redistribution of tasks.
Keep employees engaged
Engaged employees are much more likely to be happy/satisfied at their jobs. Most feel that their management does not do enough when it comes to recognizing those who have accomplished a milestone, achieved a goal, or are just celebrating a birthday or work anniversary. Digital signs are ideal for all of these tasks—and highlighting employees who have done a great job is very motivating to other employees who may want to try and reach that level. It also reinforces what the company considers worthy of recognition, so if they want to see their name and picture on the digital sign, they’ll make it a point to work harder and more efficiently.
Satisfied employees who feel like they are a part of the company culture are more loyal, and less likely to turnover. Having open communication with management is one of the best ways to foster a better sense of satisfaction and loyalty, as employees feel aware of what is expected of them, and they’re more connected to their workplace as a result.
Signs are not only great to recognize employee achievements or display success stories, but they can also inform workers of additional training or pathways to further their professional growth. No one wants to stay stagnant at their position, and employees looking for more responsibility and higher pay should be aware of what the company offers when it comes to development.
Digital signs in employee common areas ensure the seamless release of important internal information. Image courtesy of The Providence Journal.
Break down barriers to information
A lot of the time employees get frustrated or confused when it comes to important information such as benefits and shift schedules/changes. Having a digital sign helps to relay all this information in one place is the solution. It’s easy for information to get lost when there’s not a centralized location to find details related to benefits, onboarding, training, or what to do in certain situations (such as an emergency response plan). Using digital signage solutions ensures that internal communications are always visible and available to all staff on every shift.
Communication is interactive
Employees want to have open communication with their management, which means management needs to offer ways that they can do this. Instead of just stating that “your door is always open,” put up links or QR codes to surveys or questionnaires so that employees can confidentially give feedback. This is an important part of building trust among both parties, and helps employees feel engaged and empowered knowing they can inform supervisors about what is working, and what isn’t so that it can hopefully be changed. Having management that takes this feedback into consideration shows that the company is committed to building a more engaged, positive culture that takes the comments and concerns of workers seriously.
How will you utilize digital signage for employee communications?
Using digital signage to communicate important information with your staff is essential. You want to ensure everyone has access to the most up to date company information, and that employees are recognized when they achieve a goal or exhibit exemplary service. Make the switch to digital signage solutions and see your productivity increase and reduce your turnover. Reach out to Shift today to see how we can revolutionize your communications process!
