Communication Channels in Change Management

Communication channels provide different mediums and means through which employees and companies can communicate with each other. Internal communication plays a key role in the overall functioning of the business and the workplace by allowing them to share ideas and collaborate with each other. The channels could be messaging, social networking, emails, and phone for internal communication. Today, we’ll discuss communication channels in change management; and the importance and benefits of change management communication channels.

Benefits of Change Management Communication Channels

• The right medium and channel of communication would impact the meaning of the message
• Wrong communication channels would result in the form of wrong interpretation and failure to send the message
• Multiple communication mediums amplify the comprehension level of the information
• External channels and stakeholders are customers, investors, suppliers, and prospects
• Internal stakeholders and channels are various organizational departments and employees

Every organizational communication channel has its own pros and cons; some of them are one-sided detailed communication, discussion, and dialogue, and naturally stronger.

Types of Communication Channels in Change Management

Let’s discuss the type of communication channels in change management; they’re as follows;

Employees & Staff Meeting

Face-to-face meetings and conversions are the best methods of communication in the workplace and the organization. It allows change leaders and managers to discuss the sensitive and complicated issues of the change project. Most importantly, it is a two-way communication comprising both verbal and non-verbal communication like conversation tone, body language, facial expression, and others. The two-way communication removes all types of uncertainty and misinterpretation and promotes clarity.

Town Hall Meeting

Companies organize town hall meetings where the top management and channel leaders connect and meet with their employees and team members. It is usually the big hall or the online virtual video conference on Zoom and other platforms. However, the objective of the town hall meetings is to have a direct discussion and inform them about the upcoming changes.

Businesses and companies organize town hall meetings online in the form of video conferences due to the hybrid working environment. They have become very common by inviting everyone to learn and become aware of the change project.

Panel Discussion

Panel discussions are the modern form of seminars, video conferences, and meetings. The objective of the panel discussion is to communicate the organizational changes so that the employees and team members receive motivation and participate in the change project. However, the panel discussion comprises of three quality aspects to ensure the effective organizational changes; they’re as follows;

• Thought-provoking and enlightened discussion
• Presenting a vast variety of perspectives
• Motivates and inspires employees for the changes

Microsite on Change

Companies usually build small pages and websites for employees to communicate with each other for the change project. They explain to the employees and team members the latest updates, news, and organizational changes. However, they provide various resources and toolkits to improve their skills and expertise through the internal organizational microsites.

Focus Group Discussion

The focus group discussion attracts employees and team members from various departments to discuss the specific common issue. They provide people an opportunity to discuss specific issues and offer key insight from various perspectives. However, some of the key benefits of the focus group discussion are as follows;

• Comprehend the perception and attitude of employees toward change
• Gathering suggestions and insights from employees
• Analyzing the concerns and questions of employees relevant to the change project

Emails

Emails are a great medium of communication to send fast updates to a large group of employees. It is highly useful when companies don’t want to waste time on face-to-face discussions. However, emails are a great channel to send official messages, announcements, and updates to the employees.

Social Media

Businesses and companies are nowadays employing social media tools for change communication. Private groups on social media platforms allow companies to connect and engage with employees outside of the workplace. For instance, private groups on Facebook and LinkedIn are the interesting method of connecting with employees.

Surveys

Companies conduct a survey to know the reviews and feedback of employees relevant to the change program. It could be their feelings, concerns, questions, and how they perceive the organization in moving forward. However, it provides employees and workers an opportunity to share their concerns and views; and highlights the issues that the change leaders need to address.

Road Shows

The top management, CEO, and the change team show up at the operational site; it is difficult and exhausting, but it offers a lot of benefits. It builds trust and confidence among them and there is no substitute for one-on-one meetings. Many research studies have shown that employees and team members want to hear from their top management during organizational changes. If road shows aren’t a viable option, then you should consider conducting live streaming.

Tool Kits

Managers and team leaders should be ready and well-prepared to answer all the questions and queries of the employees. It is significant for the leadership to be consistent with their change communication message. Loop managers are ahead of time, and they could increase the impact of the change project. If they have the tool kit of PowerPoint presentations, FAQs, and talking points it makes communication much simpler and easier.

Conclusion: Change Management Communication Channels |Communication Change for Change Management

After an in-depth study of the communication channels in change management; we have realized that communication mediums play a key role in delivering the right message. If you are learning about the organizational change management communication channels; then you should keep in mind the abovementioned channels and mediums of communication, elements, and benefits.