The Definitive Guide to HR Communication: Engaging Employees in Benefits, Pay, and Performance

Definitive is a strong descriptor to include in a title. Then again, Davis (Your Attention, Please, 2006) and Shannon have penned what is probably the first (if not the most accessible) introduction to the art of communicating with employees. Clearly, it�s a subject demanding attention, given the statistics the authors cite about information overload, poor use of benefits, and not-so-high perceptions of the corporation as employer. What cinches their claim about the importance of communication? That it contributes to productivity, which, in turn, boosts profitability. This is a very prescriptive manual, aimed primarily at human resources executives, with lots of visual steps and reminders about actions to take, from framing the message to recruiting talent. Checklists summarize each chapter�s lessons, while frequent sidebars provide examples and explanations to further illustrate the concepts. Davis and Shannon�s greatest addition to the literature lies in their approach: treat employees as customers, they say. A clear, concise (with occasional lapses into jargon) aid for any professional who motivates employees every day. –Barbara Jacobs

“Davis and Shannon make a compelling case for the value of simple, straightforward, and effective HR communication—and provide valuable insight on how to make it happen in even the most complex organizations.”

—Kevin Kelly, 30+ years internal communications veteran

“The Definitive Guide to HR Communication is a terrific resource for HR professionals. The examples and illustrations reflect actual issues and challenges we face and are a good reminder of how easily we can disconnect with our audience. The tips, tools, and guidelines are clear and effective in demonstrating alternative approaches to generating employee interest and understanding. I enjoyed reading it, found it very helpful, and have already begun using some of the suggested methods.”

—Diane F. Green, Director of Staffing and Development, Hollingsworth & Vose Company

“Even if you’ve been in the communications business as long as I have (more than 30 years!), you can still learn—or relearn—a thing or two. The book is organized so you can find what you need and use what you find.”

—Becky Healy, Agency Communications Manager, State Farm Insurance, and 2010-2011 President, Council of Communication Management (CCM)

“There are no two communicators who know more about this subject than Davis and Shannon—who better to write the definitive guide?”

—Kate Nelson, Faculty, Fox School of Business, Temple University

“Alison and Jane have put together a must-have resource for any Human Resources leader or professional who is involved with preparing company-wide communication events, or for those who coach those who put on these kinds of events. Written in a clear, easy-to-read format, you will find practical steps, real life examples, and realistic suggestions that, if followed, will dramatically improve the success of your communication events. Take the time to digest this book, follow the advice, and you will see measurable improvement in an area that has been difficult to get right for many organizations.”

—William G. Bliss, President, Bliss & Associates Inc., and author, Advisory Services to Cultivate Exceptional Leadership

HR professionals know their work is pivotal to organizational success. But they also know how difficult explaining their programs can be. Hampered by lawyers, complexity, and politics, too many HR organizations create boring, confusing messages–and get ignored.

You must change that. And you can.

This book will help you dramatically improve the effectiveness of every message you create. Renowned HR communications experts Alison Davis and Jane Shannon present simple, powerful principles and techniques every HR professional can use–even those who hate to write.

You’ll discover how to treat employees as customers and use the same strategies and tools your company uses to sell its products or services. Plus, you’ll learn better ways to explain each of your business-critical programs–from compensation and benefits to performance management.

These techniques are working right now for dozens of great companies: They will work for you, too.

A brand-new approach:

• Treat employees as customers

• Plan, manage, and frame

• Keep it simple and visual

• Use the right tool for the job

• Make meetings meaningful

• Measure your results

Specific, proven solutions:

• Recruiting

• Orientation

• Policies

• Benefits

• Compensation

• Performance Management

• Saving for Retirement

• Leaving the Company