Business: Encouraging Upward Communication

Upward communication within an organization can be hard to achieve for a number of reasons. Many times employees are intimidated by the prospect and instead choose to communicate nothing at all. Another issue with upward communication lies in the fact that upward communication is not only intimidating for the employee, but also for the supervisor. As a manager of a small group, I believe that it would be very important to encourage upward communication and let the employees know that their opinions are important, as well as welcome.

Foremost, I believe that an open door policy with the employees would be vital to maintaining the type of relationship that would encourage open lines of communication. If an employee feels comfortable with a supervisor, he or she is more likely to approach the supervisor if an issue arises. Going hand in hand with this policy would be the supervisor also utilizing the open door policy with the employees. Talking with an employee in his or her own space, as opposed to the supervisor's space, also helps to relax the employee and encourage upward communication. This is not to say the supervisor should cross appropriate boundaries, but should maintain the same level of professionalism with all employees. Everyone must feel equally valued in order for the delicate balance of the organization to become or remain a healthy work environment.