“Beyond the Grapevine” - Balancing informal communications with proactive information through structured employee communications systems

Clearly, informal discussions are and important component of organizational communication. This “grapevine” dialogue can be healthy and offer management critical insight as to what is on the hearts and minds of the employees. Many times however, without the benefit of a more formal mechanism of imparting factual information, the “grapevine” can play an unhealthy and counter-productive role by distorting realities into distracting rumors. It is impossible to eliminate the grapevine because it is a part of organizational life.

It is important that organizations share information and communicate details to reduce the need for rumors and gossip that naturally spread on the grapevine. TPO provides employee communications support for clients to promote clear communication, improved employee/management relations and positive morale.

1. Orientation Design and Implementation

	Organizational Philosophy
	Key Staff Introductions
	Payroll & Human Resources Review
	Administrative Procedures
	Tour

  2. Internal Publications

Newsletters & E-Bulletins

• Explain new policies and initiatives

• State of the organization updates

• Feature stories about product/industry

• Culture reinforcement

• Employee highlights

• Promotions, retirements, awards

• Suggestion program feedback

	Bulletin Board Management
	Video Messages

  3. Employee Suggestion Program Management

Giving employees the opportunity to suggest changes or ways in which operations could be improved

• Cost saving reward system design

• Safety suggestions

• Motivational ideas

• Morale improvement strategies