What do you do if your human resources communication is lacking interpersonal skills?

1 Assess Skills

To tackle the issue of lacking interpersonal skills in HR, begin by conducting a thorough assessment. This involves observing HR interactions, gathering feedback from employees, and identifying specific areas where communication falls short. It's important to approach this with an open mind and a commitment to improvement. Once you have a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses, you can prioritize the skills that need the most attention, such as active listening, empathy, or clarity in conveying information.

2 Training Options

After pinpointing the deficiencies, consider providing targeted training for your HR team. This can include workshops, role-playing exercises, or online courses focused on interpersonal communication. Training should be interactive and provide practical tools that can be applied immediately. Encouraging your HR staff to practice these skills in a safe environment helps build confidence and competence, leading to better interactions with the rest of the workforce.

3 Feedback Loop

Creating a feedback loop is essential for continuous improvement in HR communication. This means establishing a system where employees can provide honest feedback on their interactions with HR. Ensure anonymity if necessary to encourage openness. Use this feedback to make adjustments and provide additional support where needed. Remember that feedback is a two-way street; HR should also feel comfortable seeking clarification from employees to avoid miscommunication.

4 Mentorship Program

Mentorship can be a powerful tool for enhancing interpersonal skills within HR. Pairing less experienced HR professionals with seasoned mentors allows for the transfer of tacit knowledge and communication nuances that are often learned through experience. This one-on-one guidance can help HR staff navigate complex interactions and understand the subtleties of effective workplace communication.

5 Policy Review

Sometimes, the issue may stem from unclear policies or expectations around communication. Review your organization's policies to ensure they promote clear, respectful, and empathetic interactions. If necessary, update these policies to reflect the importance of interpersonal skills in HR communications. Policies should serve as a framework that supports positive communication practices throughout the organization.

6 Measure Progress

Lastly, it's important to measure progress and recognize improvements in HR communication. Set clear goals and use regular check-ins to track development in interpersonal skills. Celebrate milestones and successes to reinforce the value of effective communication. This not only motivates the HR team but also demonstrates to all employees that the organization is committed to fostering a communicative and supportive work environment.

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?