Workplace communication: Two-thirds of employees don’t know how, when and where they’re supposed to work

A survey of 2,000 employees has revealed that over half (53 per cent) do not describe their employer as a good communicator, and 70 per cent cannot agree that their employer is clear about the company’s work policy now that Covid-19 restrictions have eased.

The research, conducted by Magenta Associates, the integrated communications consultancy for the built environment, also found that two-thirds of employees do not know how, when and where they are supposed to work. 

What’s more, one in three employees do not believe their views are considered before their employer makes decisions that affect them in the workplace. These findings have emerged while organisations are still redefining, refining or reimagining the employee experience and the workplace offering in light of the increasing popularity of hybrid working. 

The survey also revealed that 56 per cent of employees believe effective communication is important to an organisation’s success because it builds relationships, promotes team spirit (53 per cent) and enhances employee wellbeing (50 per cent). And 100 per cent of Generation Z respondents aged between 18-24 said that poor communication impacts their ‘job satisfaction and enjoyment’.

Jo Sutherland, Magenta Associates MD, said: “We noticed a shift in business communications priorities in the wake of the pandemic with more focus on keeping in touch with and engaging employees. We discovered that our experience also reflected what was going on more widely. Most business leaders we surveyed and interviewed stated that business-to-employee communications is more important now than ever.

“However, to discover that such a significant number of employees wouldn’t describe their employer as a good communicator is concerning, particularly at such a crucial time in what is an evolving world of work. Our research suggests this is because there is confusion over where internal communications sits, be it in HR, marketing or workplace management. 

“Effective communication offers numerous business benefits, such as improving employee loyalty, work ethic, health & wellness and morale, which not only helps with talent attraction and retention, but also new ideas.”

To find out more, download Magenta’s report – ‘Internal communication: the glue that holds everything together’.