“Communication – the human connection – is the key to personal and business success.” — Paul J. Meyer.
A recent study conducted by the Harvard Business Review found that poor communication leads to workplace conflict, damages employer-employee relations, reduces productivity and profits. So, it’s no surprise that effective communication is directly related to a retail business’ success.
In this blog, we demonstrate how TimeWellSchedules (TWS), cloud-based scheduling software, not only improves scheduling and staff management capacities but also effectively and sustainably improves communication between managers, employees, and organizations as a whole.
TWS Communication Benefits: Feedback from store managers & owners
TimeWellScheduled software reviews are an essential part of how we improve our software and services at TWS. Below are some reviews retail store managers provided (us) regarding TWS communication tools and functions:
- “We love that Managers and Employees are able to access the system from anywhere, and we use it for our main communication board. “
- “We also use it to communicate and send important messages to our staff like daily updates on safety and what is new in the store.”
- “I love the dashboard, which gives you a quick view of who is in working right now; it is also a great tool for employee communications as you can send messages to everyone; it is easy for everyone to access their schedule from anywhere at any time.”
- “…Staff also seemed to appreciate the functionality such as getting an email with their shifts, automatic notification of any changes, and easier shift switching.”
- “I love the dashboard, which gives you a quick view of who is in working right now; it is also a great tool for employee communications as you can send messages to everyone; it is easy for everyone to access their schedule from anywhere at any time.”
- “Very simple program to use. We are able to use the system for mass communications ensuring that it gets to everybody. Very simple to transfer information to payroll.”
Effective workplace communication is the process of exchanging ideas, thoughts, opinions, knowledge, and data so that messages are received and understood with clarity and purpose. When we communicate effectively, both the sender and receiver feel satisfied.
The Primary Function of Workplace Communication
The primary function of workplace communication is to inform, persuade, and motivate.
Communication to Inform
Managers and employees communicate to inform; whether the purpose is to reply to a request, provide updated information, or maintain contact. Good communication is necessary to inform retail staff and managers about what is happening in the store.
For example, communication in the workplace may be to inform employees of an open shift, product promotions, new health and safety rules, provide instructions, or perhaps constructive feedback regarding a product or service.
Communication to Persuade
Persuasion requires a well-organized presentation of facts upon which a person may choose to act. Persuasive communication skills involve understanding the product or service. TWS ensures employees & managers are up to date on new prices, products and promotions.
Note: persuasion is a communication skill that is indirectly related to communication tools.
Communication to Motivate
Effective communication between managers and employees strengthens relationships and ensures everyone is on the same page. This creates a positive working environment, enhances company culture, and improves employee motivation and productivity.
How to improve communication in the workplace with TWS!
TimeWellSchedules (TWS) improves workplace communication between managers, employees, and employer-employee relations generally by providing organizations with two essential tools, the online portal and the TWS app, available in the google play store and the iPhone app store.
Note: these tools focus on internal communication
How can TWS scheduling software improve workplace communication?
It is pretty simple; each employee has access to their own employee portal. Employees can track, send and receive messages and information through the portal, in addition to checking their schedule, picking up open shifts, or requesting time off.
TWS communication methods/tools provide four essential benefits that improve communication:
- Send and receive comprehensive communication (including attachments)
- Provides user-friendly and convenient access
- Enhances employee engagement & synergy
- Respond to messages in real-time
- Allows for individual or team communication
Notifications are communicated through:
- SMS
- Slack
- TWS App (Android & iOS)
It should also be remembered that online access through the app or employee portal allows managers to modify current or future schedules and quickly communicate them to the entire team.
So a sudden unexpected schedule change does not mean a shift will go unfilled. What’s more, the communication system can be used to inform employees about store promotions, policy changes, company events, announcements, etc.
Note: TWS communication tools can also be used to inform employees and managers regarding weekly team meetings, meeting agenda items, or meeting outcomes that require follow-up action.
TimeWellScheduled’s Value Proposition to Customers
TimeWellScheduled is a complete scheduling solution you can rely on year-round to optimize staff hours, communicate shift times, and manage staff information & payroll all in one user-friendly, cost-effect, cloud-based system!”
Workplace Communication & Employer-Employee Relations
Good communication means sharing information and ideas between employees and managers. Access to communication ensures that employers and employees connect and are on the same page. It can happen face-to-face, electronically, through various mediums such as email, mobile apps, or other collaboration tools.
- 86% of employees and executives cite the lack of effective collaboration and communication as the leading causes of workplace failures. (Pumble, 2022)
- According to a McKinsey report, well-connected teams see a productivity increase of 20–25%. (McKinsey, 2022)
- 97% of employees believe communication impacts their task efficacy daily. (Pumble, 2022)
When workplace communication is robust, organizational productivity, engagement, motivation, and morale improve.
Note: Communication skills training will maximize the benefits of TWS tools.
TWS is the perfect solution for your retail business. Our cloud-based software makes it easy to create and manage employee schedules, and our time clock feature allows employees to clock in and out from any computer or mobile device. But that’s not all; in this blog, we demonstrate that TWS scheduling software quickly and sustainably improves communication between managers, employees, and organizations as a whole. So if you’re looking for an effective way to improve employer-employee relations in your workplace, look no further than TWS. Sign up today for a demo and see the results for yourself!
Also read: Life Before & After TimeWellScheduled at Canadian Tire
Thank you for reading our article!
TimeWellScheduled is a secure, online time and attendance software that is 100% tailored to meet your scheduling needs! In addition, TWS facilitates employee attendance tracking & payroll tasks and enhances your staff management capabilities. Plus, our Service is free for up to 10 employees!
Click: here to download our (Excel) employee scheduling template; IT’S FREE!
