It's It probably comes as no surprise that the most successful businesses are made up of highly

engaged employees. These top-performing workforces share a relentless dedication to what’s in

the best interest of their employers. They’re committed, determined and consistently
instrumental in increasing their companies’ productivity.

Every business owner’s dream, right?

But what’s not so obvious is knowing what attracts these MVPs in the first place. Even more
important, what’s the best strategy for keeping them once you hire them? Is it strong
management? Money? Recognition?

Sure, those are all important factors. But according to a Career Builder study of the best places to
work, what truly sets the most-coveted businesses apart from the rest is their commitment to
effective communication strategies.

Whether you’re making a formal announcement about a corporate reorganization or talking with
your employees about their workloads, how (and when) you communicate your message is vital.

So, how can you be sure you’re communicating with your workforce effectively across the entire
organization? Here are seven strategies to help you foster employee engagement and impact your
business’s success:

1. Keep it real

When delivering your message, be truthful and as complete as possible. Be transparent and let
employees know if there are details you simply cannot share due to confidentiality. Even if they
don’t have all the pieces of the puzzle, they’ll appreciate your honesty and likely be more
supportive and, as a result, more engaged.

2. Be timely

Don’t wait until you have all the information to deliver a message. There is never a vacuum in
communication. If the message doesn’t come from you directly, people will fill in the
information gaps with rumors or assumptions – which can lead to low morale, distrust and a lack
of productivity. Communication is a process. Share what you can as often as you can.

3. Focus on consistency