Following is a compilation of ideas expressed by CEB members on this issue.

1. Management by walking around
   CEB members report that by far the most common method of communicating with employees is face-to-face communication.  They generally accomplish this by getting out from behind their desks and walking around the company during work hours.  This method allows chief executives to observe the workplace in action, and also encourages casual conversation between employees and executives.  Most chief executives make this type of management a priority by scheduling a specific and significant amount of time for this task
   
   

2. Newsletters
   More than 60% of CEB member companies’ use a company newsletter for communicating with their employees.
   
   

3. Bulletin boards
   Don’t overlook bulletin boards as a communication tool.  Employees regularly search here for company news, promotions, etc.  A majority of CEB member companies report using bulletin boards as a specific tool in their management communications.
   
   

4. Periodic formal staff meeting
   Many executives schedule quarterly, semi-annual or annual company-wide meetings; in addition to more intimate, periodic meetings with various staff or departments.
   
   

5. Periodic informal staff meetings
   Scheduling informal meetings with staff is an excellent way to keep the lines of communication going in both directions.  The most effective meetings tend to be held in conjunction with a light, informal luncheon.  Employees can choose to attend these meetings, or they can be selected by their hiring anniversary dates or birthdays.
   
   

6. Pay-check stuffers Using pay-check stuffers is an excellent way of keeping employees’ families involved in company news.  They are a great way of making sure the employee gets the information, since all employees open their paychecks
   
   

7. Open-door policy
   The most successful executives maintain an open-door policy.  This policy is rarely abused by employees.
   
   

8. Answering the telephone directly
   Surprisingly enough, the bigger the company, the more likely it is that the chief executive will answer his or her own telephone.  This sends a message of openness to employees, since calls are not screened.
   
   

9. Listening
   As Stephen Covey states, “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” Enough said.
   
   

10. Use the latest technology
    Voice mail presents a great opportunity to send a “personal” message to your employees by broadcasting it to all mail boxes in your system.  There is a software package, “Windows for Work Groups,” which allows you to do the same thing with groups of employees via E-Mail.
    
    

11. Social activities
    Holiday events, sporting events, company outings, picnics and award ceremonies are excellent vehicles for communication.  You can choose to make a presentation during these functions, or simply walk around and talk with your employees.
    
    

12. Accessibility
    The key word in communicating with employees at any level is accessibility.  Although you open yourself up to perhaps some unwelcome chatter, the benefits of being available to employees will more than pay off in the long run.
    
    

13. Communications sent to employees’ home
    Many CEB members report that families appreciate receiving information from the company.