Survey: Managers and Employees Differ on Frequency and Quality of Workplace Communication

Survey: Managers and Employees Differ on Frequency and Quality of Workplace
Communication

MENLO PARK, Calif., Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Managers say they are
communicating better and more often with their employees now versus one year
ago, a new survey shows. Unfortunately, their teams may not be getting the
memo. Sixty-nine percent of executives interviewed said messages to employees
have become more frequent, and 56 percent believed communication is of higher
quality. Yet, only 37 percent of workers polled agreed there's been a boost in
the rate of corporate updates, and only 38 percent felt information has
improved.

The surveys were developed by OfficeTeam, a leading staffing service
specializing in the placement of highly skilled administrative professionals.
They were conducted by an independent research firm and are based on telephone
interviews with 150 senior executives at the nation's 1,000 largest companies,
and 493 workers 18 years of age or older and employed in office environments.

Executives and workers were asked, "How would you say the quantity of
communication from management to employees at your company has changed in the
past 12 months?" Their responses:

Executives Workers
Increased significantly 25% 13%
Increased somewhat 44% 24%
No change 29% 52%
Decreased somewhat 1% 5%
Decreased significantly 0% 4%
Don't know/no answer 1% 2%
100% 100%

Executives and workers also were asked, "How would you say the quality of
communication from management to employees at your company has changed in the
past 12 months?" Their responses:

Executives Workers
Improved significantly 19% 14%
Improved somewhat 37% 24%
No change 41% 47%
Declined somewhat 1% 9%
Declined significantly 0% 4%
Don't know/no answer 2% 2%
100% 100%

"During times of change, companies must be able to share information quickly
and often," said Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam. "The good
news, in light of this difficult economy, is that most employers have
increased staff outreach. What is less encouraging is that this communication
may not be as effective as it could be."

Hosking noted that clear and timely communication will be especially valuable
as businesses prepare for the upturn. "Managers who provide regular updates
and encourage open discussions help employees better understand the company's
overall goals and their own role in helping to achieve these objectives,"
Hosking said. "Frequent communication also can aid retention efforts, which
will become a greater focus for employers as the job market improves."

About OfficeTeam
OfficeTeam provides businesses with the temporary administrative professionals
they need to maximize productivity, achieve cost efficiency and support
existing staff. The company has more than 325 locations worldwide and offers
online job search services at www.officeteam.com.

SOURCE OfficeTeam

Abby Goodman of OfficeTeam, +1-650-234-6289, abby.goodman@officeteam.com