Understanding the Mind: How to Leverage Psychology to Improve Employee Communication

Back

Picture this: Your company is at the cusp of an exciting new launch, and you have been tasked with rolling it out. But as you roll out the campaign, you realise that your employees are just not interested in it. Your emailers have low click-through-rates and your polls and surveys are ignored. Does this sound familiar?

Why is it that some messages hit home while others fall flat? What makes certain communication resonate deeply with employees, while others are met with indifference? And most importantly, how do we ensure that our message really gets across and makes the desired impact? The answer lies in psychology.

By understanding how the human mind works, we can craft internal communications strategies that capture attention, inspire action and most importantly drive engagement.

What’s on your Mind? - Choosing the right approach

Effective communication, across verticals, is at the heart of any successful organisation. But beyond choosing the right words or platforms, understanding the psychology behind how employees think, interact and engage can lead to more meaningful conversations, stronger connections and better results.

By integrating a few psychological principles into internal communication strategies, businesses can foster a more cohesive work environment.

This blog explores how psychology enhances employee communication, its impact on engagement, and how companies can leverage internal communication services to enhance employee engagement and maximise results.

Understanding The Role of Psychology in Employee Communications

Psychology offers us some invaluable insights into how people perceive, process, and react to communication. When applied to employee or internal communication, these insights can improve not only how messages are crafted but also how they can be received and acted upon.

•  Understanding Human Motivation: Going with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, employees are motivated by more than just salary. They also seek belonging, recognition, and a sense of purpose. Organisations that align their communication with these needs foster higher levels of engagement. For example, an internal communication strategy that acknowledges employee contributions and fosters a sense of belonging can improve morale and create a more motivated workforce.
•  Cognitive Bias and Its Impact: As humans, we are subject to cognitive biases—mental shortcuts that influence decision-making. Biases such as confirmation bias (seeking information that aligns with one’s beliefs) or the negativity bias (the tendency to focus on negative information) can distort communication. Internal communication experts that are aware of these biases can design messages that minimise misunderstandings. Clear and concise communication and providing balanced feedback reduces the distortion created by biases.
•  The Power of Emotional Connect: Emotions play a crucial role in how messages are received and understood. Communication that appeals to employees' emotions, such as messages of support during challenging times or celebrations of achievements, creates a stronger bond between employees and the organisation. Employee communication that incorporates emotional intelligence—awareness of and sensitivity to employees' emotions—tends to be more impactful.

Insights to better facilitate employee engagement

Engaged employees are the cornerstone of any thriving organisation. When employees feel connected, valued, and understood, they are more likely to be productive and committed to the organisation’s success.

Leverage these psychology principles to improve your employee engagement:

•  The Power of Recognition and Feedback : Regular, constructive feedback satisfies an employee’s need for personal growth and development. Studies show that employees who receive regular recognition and feedback are more likely to be engaged.
  
  Dr. Wendi Adair, Professor of Organisational Psychology at the University of Waterloo, says, “Everyone wants to feel heard, and feel like they are connected to others. So, in a grocery store or restaurant, people are going to be interacting regularly. But in, say, a car factory where the distance between people on the line can be half a block long, you might not have that sort of interpersonal connection as part of your daily work routine. People need that and want that. They want to feel heard and they want to know that they’ve not only been heard but they were understood.”
  
  Feedback that is specific, timely, and empathetic resonates more with employees. It helps them understand not only how they can improve but also the value they bring to the organisation.
•  Creating a Sense of Belonging: Humans are inherently social creatures, and the workplace is no exception. Employees want to feel like they belong to something bigger than themselves. Internal communication strategies that prioritise inclusion and community-building help foster this sense of belonging. Whether through team-building activities, regular updates that include all staff, or creating spaces for employees to share their thoughts, companies can enhance engagement by nurturing a sense of togetherness..
•  Aligning Values with Purpose: Employees are more engaged when they believe in the company’s mission and feel their work contributes to a larger purpose. When organisations align internal communication with their values and culture, they create a shared sense of purpose that motivates employees. By communicating how each employee’s role supports the company’s mission, organisations can enhance motivation and foster deeper commitment.

In Conclusion

Psychology offers a powerful lens through which to view and improve employee communication. By understanding human behaviour, motivation, and emotional triggers, organisations can create communication strategies that resonate deeply with employees. The result is stronger employee engagement, a more connected workforce, and ultimately, a more successful organisation.

Leveraging internal communication services can help businesses tailor their approach, ensuring that communication is not only heard but also felt. By tapping into the power of psychology, companies can transform how they communicate with employees, leading to lasting improvements in both engagement and productivity.

With over 25 years of expertise, TIC has been at the forefront of crafting internal communication strategies that resonate, partnering with some of the biggest names in the industry. We have helped organisations develop a cohesive communication structure, ensuring messages align with the company’s purpose and values while addressing employee needs. Our strategies are designed to foster engagement, boost responsiveness, and cultivate a deep sense of connection between employees and the company.

 

To get in touch for our services or any other communication requirement, please contact + 91 842 581 4016 / 17 or simply drop an email at solutions@ticworks.com.