This paper examines effective internal communication strategies for delivering positive news to employees — specifically, the announcement that all sales targets have been met and bonuses will be paid at Lee Electronics. Drawing on communication best practices, the paper recommends three channels: email for speed and documentation, posters for visual engagement and department-level reach, and a management presentation for personal recognition and morale building. The paper argues that how good news is delivered is just as important as the news itself, and that thoughtfully chosen communication methods can strengthen employee loyalty, reinforce brand identity, and boost long-term productivity.
When it comes to communicating good news — such as the fact that all sales goals were met for the year — communications management needs to take full advantage of the positive nature of the message. Many employees are accustomed to hearing that they need to work harder or pursue their sales goals more aggressively. This makes it all the more important for management to use these rare opportunities to praise employees, commend their hard work, and signal a time for celebration. Doing so can have a truly remarkable impact on overall morale, build employee loyalty, and ultimately increase productivity. Furthermore, the way in which this news is communicated can directly contribute to making the workplace a more pleasant environment.
The first recommended method of communication is email. Using email demonstrates that the communications manager is current with modern practices. In today's electronic age, people access information constantly via phones, tablets, and laptops, and most employees have near-continuous access to their email — even when away from the office. Emailing employees this news also allows everyone to save an electronic copy of the announcement for their records.
An email effectively conveys the message when information is presented as a concise bullet-point list rather than large blocks of text. As the pace of professional life increases, email must be used as an efficient communication tool. Bullet points that celebrate the achievement of sales goals and explain why this outcome matters are the most effective format. Email also allows a newsletter-style layout so that the general look, style, and visual tone align with the company's brand identity — an important consideration for Lee Electronics, which needs to maintain its brand image even in internal communications. Additionally, because employees typically check their email at least once a day, this channel virtually guarantees that the message will be received within 24 hours. As one communication expert notes, "Email is the most commonly used inter-office communication method. Dictate clear guidelines to your team and require that emails follow a specific protocol. Develop an email format that is used uniformly throughout the office to simplify" (McQuaig, 2012).
With this particular announcement, it would be wise to note that employees are not expected to reply — the message is purely informational. Keeping it short, sweet, and informative is the best approach. As one communications expert explains, "Think of it this way: with every sentence you add there is an extra 5 percent chance we won't read and reply right away. Twenty sentences and you might as well never send it at all" (Veldhuijzen, 2013). If a message is too long, it will not get read. An additional benefit is that the email can be written from the perspective of the company president or CEO, even if it is not authored by that person directly. This gives all members of the company a sense of importance and a closer, more personal connection to senior leadership.
The second recommended method of communication is posters displayed throughout company headquarters. Given the celebratory nature of the news, posters are an ideal channel. They allow for a fun, visually engaging presentation that can serve as a welcome surprise for employees during their workday. Posters should use bright colors — ideally the company's brand colors — and, like the email, should keep text short and structured with bullet points. They should also make strong use of photos and other visual aids, which research supports as a best practice for attention-grabbing materials (Fain, 2013).
One of the key advantages of posters is that they encourage active engagement with the physical environment. As one source explains, "People who are viewing posters are already actively engaging in their surroundings. Whether they are standing at a bus stop or lining up at the local nightclub, people are likely to notice posters out of sheer boredom. A clever poster will have a call-to-action phrase that propels the viewer to take action as soon as possible" (Tolliday, 2013). In this context, the call to action is for employees to recognize that their strategies and efforts have been effective and that they will be rewarded accordingly. Posters carry the added advantage of being viewable and reviewable throughout the workday, and they can be tailored to specific departments across the firm, sustaining attention and reinforcing the message over time. For more on the role of workplace communication in employee engagement, a broad literature supports multi-channel approaches.
The final recommended form of communication is a general management presentation. Employees need to feel that management values their success enough to celebrate it in person and to acknowledge that bonuses are being awarded as a result of their hard work. Too often, employees only hear from management when something has gone wrong or needs to change. A live presentation provides an important counterbalance — it gives employees a verbal "pat on the back" for a job well done. As one expert notes, motivating employees can be one of the most challenging tasks an employer faces, but employees who feel praised and appreciated for their efforts are far more likely to sustain high performance (Foster, 2012).
Beyond recognition, a management speech also helps answer the practical questions that employees inevitably have. "Employees want to know what's happening in their organization. Where are we now? Where are we headed? Are we growing? What problems are we trying to address? What changes can we expect? If you keep people in the dark, you will ensure they feel detached from the organization" (Mollica, 2012). A well-delivered management presentation can address these questions while simultaneously reinforcing a positive outlook for the organization's future. Studies on employee recognition and organizational outcomes consistently find that direct communication from leadership is among the most effective tools for sustaining morale and commitment.
It is a genuine opportunity for an organization to deliver such positive news — that sales goals have been met and bonuses will be paid. Lee Electronics should take full advantage of this moment by using three carefully chosen forms of communication: email, posters, and a management presentation. These methods are cost-effective, fast, and appropriate to the celebratory nature of the announcement. Together, they ensure that the message reaches all employees through multiple channels, reinforcing its importance and maximizing its positive impact on morale and engagement. For further reading on organizational communication strategies, a wide range of academic and professional resources are available.
Fain, J. (2013). Reading, understanding and applying research. F.A. Davis.
Foster, D. (2012, December). Effective employee communication: The benefits of best practices. Retrieved from Milliman.com: http://www.milliman.com/insight/eb/Effective-employee-communication-The-benefits-of-best-practices/
Gibson, P. (2004). Administrative office management, complete course. Mason: 2012.
Krizan, A. (2010). Business communication. Cengage.
"Management speeches that praise staff and answer key questions"
"Three recommended channels recap and rationale"
You’re 93% through this paper. Sign up to read the remaining 2 sections.
Sign Up Now — Instant Access Already a member? Log inAlways verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.