A staggering 50% of companies fail to even inquire about their employees’ well-being and experiences at work. This lack of engagement not only hinders employee morale but also deprives organizations of valuable insights that could fuel innovation and growth.

While simply asking for feedback is a step in the right direction, it’s not enough. Employees often feel their feedback falls on deaf ears, leading to frustration and a sense of disconnection from the organization’s goals and direction.

As a leadership expert, I’ve witnessed firsthand the detrimental impact of this communication gap. Employees, especially those belonging to the Gen-Z demographic, are eager to understand the ‘why’ behind corporate decisions and initiatives. Generic responses and a lack of transparency can quickly breed mistrust and speculation, filling the information void with unsubstantiated rumors and gossip.

To bridge this communication gap and foster deeper connections with employees, leaders must embrace a culture of transparency and purposeful leadership. This entails:

1. Regularly Seeking Employee Feedback

Creating an inclusive environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and opinions is crucial. Regularly solicit feedback through multiple channels, such as surveys, one-on-one meetings, and focus groups. Encourage employees to express their concerns, suggestions, and ideas openly and honestly.

2. Transparently Sharing Actions Taken Based on Feedback

Demonstrate your commitment to employee feedback by taking action and sharing the results. Communicate the changes implemented based on employee input, outlining the rationale behind these decisions. This transparency fosters trust and shows that employee voices are valued.

3. Communicating the Underlying Purpose Behind Initiatives

Help employees understand the ‘why’ behind organizational initiatives and decisions. Connect their work to the company’s overall vision and mission, emphasizing how their contributions impact the organization’s success. This sense of purpose aligns individual efforts with the collective goals, boosting motivation and engagement.

4. Embracing a “Leading with Why” Mindset

Adopt a ‘leading with why’ approach, clearly articulating the reasons behind every decision and action. This transparency builds trust and fosters a sense of shared ownership among employees.

5. Utilizing Technology to Enhance Communication

Leverage technology to facilitate communication and feedback exchange. Utilize platforms like employee engagement software, internal communication tools, and social media to keep employees informed and engaged.

6. Encouraging Open Dialogue and Feedback Culture

Encourage a culture of open dialogue and feedback exchange. Create forums and channels where employees can share ideas, voice concerns, and engage in constructive discussions.

7. Recognizing and Rewarding Employee Contributions

Acknowledge and reward employees who actively participate in feedback initiatives. This recognition reinforces the importance of employee input and motivates continued engagement.

By adopting these strategies, leaders can bridge the communication gap, foster deeper connections with employees, and cultivate a more engaged, productive, and successful organization.