The Importance of HR Communication in the Organization

The most important thing that I have taken from this class is the importance of communication between the Human Resource department and the organization.  The functions of the Human Resources department are intertwined in everything that takes place in the organization. 

When initially hired, HR provides the introduction to the organization in the new employee orientation.  What happens then can set the tone for the new employees work experience.  Equally as important is the day to day communication that comes from HR and Sr. Management, not only communicating the vision of the organization but also backing it up in their day to day activities.  And this communication is even more important during tough economic times when the threat of downsizing is looming. 

The communication must also be well thought out.  For instance, in my company, our CEO wrote a blog about becoming a leaner organization.  Immediately, employees interpreted, or perhaps misinterpreted that to mean that the company was going to be downsizing.  While that was not out of the question, I believe the message spoke more to becoming a more efficient organization.  What the organization failed to realize is that many people did not understand the term “lean” and how that communication would impact employee perception.  The CEO quickly had to follow up with more blogs explaining what he meant but unfortunately, the damage was done.

The Human Resources department also performs an important role in the exit of employees from the organization.  If the organization faces layoffs, the communication to both employees impacted by the layoffs as well as the remaining employees must be handled carefully.  If good employees must be laid off, the HR department must be careful not to alienate the employee should they be in the position to rehire them.  For employees that remain, HR must instill a sense of security that will exist because of the layoffs.