Interoffice communication is an important consideration when seeking to create a healthy business work environment. It can often be the catalyst for employees to work harder and more happily. Likewise, if interoffice communication isn't well-maintained, it can a catalyst for all sorts of problems that impact a business's overall productivity and efficiency. Camaraderie among office employees and a sense of genuine teamwork seem to generate better work, productive collaboration, and less stress during working hours.
How can a business be intentional about cultivating interoffice communication in their office space? Below are some tips for building healthy interoffice communication.
Office Layout
It's important for the office layout to be one where employees can gather together and discuss important work issues. This is especially true for businesses that desire a high level of collaboration among their employees. A business might consider an open floor plan as opposed to closed offices and cubicles. This naturally opens up the physical space for employees to communicate.
Communication Tools
Not all offices have the opportunity to have an open floor plan. Fortunately, there are a number of options to aid in interoffice communication. Here are a few to consider:
- E-mail can help with quick mass communication. Simply type out a message, enter the names of employees the message needs to go to, and click send.
- Instant Messaging offers a quicker way to communicate between offices with other employees. There are many instant messaging options available.
- Intranet is a dedicated interoffice network, providing access only to office employees. An office can use Intranet to give employees access to important information, announcements, and forms.
- Cloud-based Document Programs allow employees to collaborate on document-based projects. Employees can view the same document and make and track changes.
Maintain Professionalism
Whatever tools a business chooses to use in promoting interoffice communication, creating a culture of professionalism is vitally important. Employees should be trained on what constitutes being professional in their communication with other office employees. Another important consideration is confidentiality and careful handling of sensitive information. An office should have a policy of shredding important business documents that are no longer needed. ACCU NW has more advice on what type and when to shred documents.
A business that is truly at the top of its game is likely a place where its employees enjoy coming to work each day. Taking advantage of the tips above can help create a healthier environment of interoffice communication.