Businesses with a culture of openness and free-flowing information fare better in challenging economic times, says Quint Studer, author of Straight A Leadership: Alignment, Action, Accountability. That’s because employees feel more connected to the big financial picture and, as a result, work harder and are more efficient. “Remember,” Studer notes, “we share information with employees for a couple of reasons: one, it’s the right thing to do, and two, it’s good for business. And most companies can use every possible edge these days.”

Here are some ways to keep frontline employees informed as part of a strategic communication plan:

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• Strategic rounding. This tactic is based on a practice from the world of medicine (think of a physician making the daily rounds to check on patients). Essentially, leaders take an hour or so a day to touch base with employees, make a personal connection, and find out what is (and isn’t) working well. Besides being a proven strategic communications tactic, rounding is a great way to solicit any questions or concerns from employees.

• Employee forums. Hold these company-wide meetings regularly. They’re great opportunities to update people on how the business is faring and any upcoming changes, as well as to solicit feedback and ideas.

• Newsletters. Fill them with articles about important external changes and the company’s response to them. Really connect the dots for readers. And be sure to include tips on what employees can do personally to make a difference to the company’s bottom line.

• Communication boards. Put physical (not just virtual) bulletin boards in a common area that include information about industry changes, new hires, community impact, and so forth.

• Standards of behavior updates. These guidelines spell out how employees are to present themselves at work — from their phone etiquette to how to respond to gossip to keywords to use when customers ask tough questions. Your standards should reflect your company’s reality today. If not, ask employees to rethink and revise them.

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