It's no secret that employee communication is key to a thriving team. When employees feel valued and heard, they're more likely to be happier, more engaged and more productive. However, there's not always alignment between leadership and employees, says Laurie Minott, a senior strategic advisor and partner in the Great Place to Work Consulting Practice, and Claire Hastwell, a content marketing manager for the practice.

If you could use a few tips to better communicate with your team members, read on. In this issue of Promotional Consultant Today, we share Minott and Hastwell's thoughts on best practices for communicating with employees.

1. Weekly or bi-weekly one-on-ones. Even if the meetings are only 15 minutes long, research has shown that when employees have regular, quality contact with their managers, there is a significant positive impact on engagement. According to Minott and Hastwell, effective managers use one-on-one time to get to know employees more deeply and understand them as whole people.

2. Daily team huddles. Getting the team together for a few minutes each day to talk about important things going on in the organization or department helps keep everyone on the same page. Many companies that conduct these use the same agenda each time, so employees always know what to expect, note Minott and Hastwell.

3. Quarterly development conversations. When employees feel valued and see a future path with a company, they are more likely to give their best effort at work and be fully committed to the role and organization. To foster this feeling of being valued, Minott and Hastwell assert that it's important for managers to set aside time with each employee to learn about, plan and discuss their development aspirations and goals.

4. Monthly town hall meetings. Having regular, planned town hall meetings with employees shows management's commitment to effective employee communication. Minott and Hastwell say the best town hall meetings provide space and opportunity for questions to be asked and updates to be shared, ensuring a flow of two-way communication across the organization.

5. Coffee with the CEO. To stay connected with the frontline employee experience, a CEO can meet with different groups of employees on a monthly or quarterly basis. Minott and Hastwell suggest intimate coffee meetings that allow the CEO to build personal connections that endure long after the coffee, when employees return to their work and share the experience with other colleagues.

6. Mission moments. Everyone wants to be connected with something greater than themselves. Dedicating time to sharing stories about how a company's work is making a difference helps inspire and motivate employees to give their best. Successful mission moments might include bringing customers onsite to explain how the company's products or services helped them find success. It could also be inviting a panel of customers to answer employee questions.

7. Employee rounding. Employees want to work with leaders who are approachable and willing to fight for their team, say Minott and Hastwell. Senior leaders who take the time to get to know employees, both within and outside of their functional areas, create a clearer picture of the organization and opportunities for improvement.

When you think about ways to connect with your team, you don't have to stay stuck in a rut. Think about some unique ways you could relay information or form bonds, whether it's a formal town hall meeting or a low-key daily get-together.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers

Source: Laurie Minott is a senior strategic advisor and partner in the Great Place to Work Consulting Practice. Claire Hastwell is a content marketing manager for the practice.