Most Organizations Struggle with Effective Employee Communication and Collaboration - New Study by HR Research Institute

A recent report by HR.com’s HR Research Institute (HRRI) reveals that only 15% of organizations consider themselves to be at the two highest levels of HRRI’s communication maturity model. Additionally, just 31% of respondents rate the effectiveness of their communication as high or very high, indicating widespread dissatisfaction with current communication practices.

The new study of HR professionals was launched to help employers and HR departments understand the state of employee communication and collaboration across organizations. Findings uncover a significant gap in communication effectiveness. Most organizations rate themselves as mediocre or worse in their workforce communication efforts, highlighting a critical area in need of improvement.

Further exploring what sets leading organizations apart, the study identified key factors that contribute to successful employee communication:

• Effective Measurement: Organizations that are highly successful at employee communication are over 19 times more likely to effectively measure their communication efforts to a high or very high degree.

• Maturity in Communication: These leading organizations are also 10 times more likely to be at the highest stage of communication maturity, setting them apart in their ability to foster clear, consistent, and impactful communication across the workforce.

In addition, these problems may be largely due to gaps in managerial communication, pointing to a strong suggestion to bolster workforce communication skills.

• Only about half (47%) agree or strongly agree that managers in their organizations are actively listening.

• Just 35% believe that their managers are well-trained in communication skills.

• A small minority (28%) say managers have access to good communication metrics.

“The data clearly shows that communication is a significant challenge for many organizations,” stated Debbie McGrath, Chief Instigator and CEO of HR.com. “There’s a critical need for organizations to reassess and strengthen their communication strategies to foster better collaboration and overall workplace effectiveness.”

The full research report, HR.com's State of Employee Communications and Collaboration 2024-25, is available for free download and offers detailed insights and actionable recommendations for HR professionals looking to improve workforce communication and collaboration, to positively impact employee engagement, productivity, and quality of work.

The recording of the research webcast presentation, The Winning Formula: Communication + Action = Collaboration, is available for viewing 24/7 on demand.

About HR.com and the HR Research Institute

The HR Research Institute (HRRI) helps you keep your finger on the pulse of HR! Powered by HR.com, the world’s largest HR community, the HRRI identifies key trends and best practices to help more than 2 million HR professionals and their organizations make strategic decisions with informed and insightful research findings. Among the most productive and respected HR research institutes globally, the HRRI publishes dozens of high-quality reports every year across a wide array of HR topics. HR.com’s free membership offers many benefits, including access to over 250 exclusive primary research, state-of-the-industry reports, and infographics. These resources are published based on surveys developed with the assistance of a panel of thought leaders and industry experts on the advisory boards. Visit hr.com/hrresearchinstitute to maximize your HR potential.

Become a part of HR.com’s HR Research Influencer panel today. Participate in surveys, share your insights, and earn rewards.