HR Connection blog

Let’s face it – it’s summer. The sun is out, the pool is open, and vacation is calling. Communication is tough when you’re all in the office and focused, let alone when one team member is on vacation and two others are preparing for theirs’ the following week. In the chaos of vacations and summer schedules, here are a few ways to keep your team together during these hectic few months.

Many employers want to be able to monitor their employees’ communications–including phone calls, emails, and instant messages–with or without notice. Some employees may want to secretly record unsafe working conditions or harassing behavior. However, both employers and employees have an interest in workplace privacy and confidentiality.

  Let’s think about purpose. You might see it as an uncertain topic, and while it is difficult to quantify, purpose is at the heart and soul of great endeavors. If you seek it, meaning will come alive in your work. It’s not just on you, though; organizational purpose requires people at all levels of a company to work toward the same goal.

  Every company has difficult employees and low performers, but it's important for managers to understand how to deal with these workers effectively. If not managed properly, difficult employees undermine the concept of teamwork and negatively impact the whole team. Read on for our tips to deal with difficult employees. 

One of the best things you can do for your career is learn how to be a great communicator. After all, if you’re unable to get your point across in a way that inspires others to take action, how can your HR initiatives (or your career) possibly succeed? In any workplace conversation—whether it’s with a direct report, a peer, or the boss’s boss—effective communication skills are what distinguishes a good employee from a great leader.

  Question: We are struggling to ensure our communications are being heard by all employees. What could we be doing wrong?