How can you ensure everyone on your team knows about important updates and policy changes?

1 Choose the right channels

The first step is to choose the right channels to communicate your updates and policy changes. Depending on the nature, urgency, and audience of your message, you might use different channels, such as email, phone, text, chat, video call, bulletin board, newsletter, or staff meeting. You should consider the advantages and disadvantages of each channel, such as speed, reach, clarity, feedback, and cost. You should also use consistent and reliable channels that your team is familiar with and can access easily.

2 Be clear and concise

The second step is to be clear and concise in your communication. You should use simple and direct language that your team can understand and follow. You should avoid jargon, acronyms, or technical terms that might confuse or alienate your team. You should also provide the essential information that your team needs to know, such as the what, why, when, how, and who of your updates and policy changes. You should avoid unnecessary details, repetitions, or distractions that might dilute or obscure your message.

3 Highlight the benefits and expectations

The third step is to highlight the benefits and expectations of your updates and policy changes. You should explain how your updates and policy changes will benefit your team, your guests, and your business. You should also clarify what you expect from your team in terms of actions, behaviors, or outcomes. You should emphasize the positive aspects of your updates and policy changes, such as improved safety, quality, efficiency, or satisfaction. You should also address any potential concerns or challenges that your team might have and offer solutions or support.

4 Seek feedback and confirmation

The fourth step is to seek feedback and confirmation from your team. You should encourage your team to ask questions, share opinions, or raise issues about your updates and policy changes. You should listen to their feedback and respond to their concerns or suggestions. You should also ask your team to confirm that they have received, understood, and accepted your updates and policy changes. You can use various methods to check for confirmation, such as quizzes, surveys, polls, or signatures.

5 Follow up and reinforce

The fifth step is to follow up and reinforce your updates and policy changes. You should monitor and measure how your team is implementing and complying with your updates and policy changes. You should provide feedback, guidance, and recognition to your team. You should also review and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of your updates and policy changes on your operations, guests, and staff. You should make adjustments or improvements if needed and communicate them to your team.

6 Create a culture of communication

The sixth and final step is to create a culture of communication in your team. You should foster a positive and trusting relationship with your team, where they feel comfortable and valued to communicate with you and each other. You should also promote a collaborative and learning environment, where your team can share ideas, experiences, and best practices. You should also involve your team in the decision-making and problem-solving processes, where they can contribute to the development and implementation of your updates and policy changes.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?