Why Interdepartmental Communication is More Important Than You Think

Do you struggle with communicating with other departments at your job or keeping the flow of conversation active? Today our guest poster Felicia Baratz discusses how businesses can enhance and build up their company relationships, no matter how different the dynamics may be.

Of the many struggles workers have with their jobs, Interdepartmental communication remains one of the major complaints expressed. For example, your billing department needs to talk with other departments to verify invoice information and pricing options on a regular basis. Without strong and consistent communication, you won’t know about special arrangements made by the advertising department or fee waivers offered by the sales team. You cannot accurately do your job without active communication between departments.

While interdepartmental contact remains an essential component of any company, it gets difficult to manage between different business dynamics but there are ways to enhance and build up company relationships that lead to the success of the business.

Schedule All-Hands Meetings

Sending emails, talking on the phone or chatting over lunch provide bits and pieces of information between departments, but subsisting off of this alone is not enough. You have to be able to gather everyone together for regular meetings to ensure everyone operates on the same page.

While meetings don’t seem exciting, keep in mind that everyone communicates on a different level from one another. One team member might respond well to a broad memo while you prefer to read in-depth instructions. Both ways still provide viable sources of information and you’ll need a variety of communication tools are needed to ensure everyone gets the message. Never take for granted that one style of communication meets everyone’s needs. Instead, be sure to cover all of the bases in order to improve interdepartmental communications.

Spice up these meetings by turning them into socials too! Send employees off-campus for training, team building or meals. A change in scenery promotes unity and helps workers think outside the box. Additionally, these types of gatherings show employees their value to the company. When you feel valued, you want to contribute and be proactive in making the company communication a success.

Create Assembly Lines

When one department handles a project from start to finish, other departments may feel left out. Taking on solo projects can also lead to resentment, as everyone doesn’t carry an equal share of the workload. Utilize assembly lines and have someone from each department carry the responsibility of a portion of every project. When departments work and communicate well together, interdepartmental relationships stay strong.

Use File Sharing

As part of the assembly line technique, file sharing enables everyone to stay on the same page. As each department accesses files associated with the current project, communication improves. You can make changes or discuss issues before mistakes cost the company money. Additionally, file sharing prevents wasting time; since the document is updated the instant one team member makes a change. This layer of protection prevents mistakes and saves time and money.

Lead by Example

If you’re lucky enough to work for a boss who handles employee issues like suggestions, disputes and complaints personally, then he or she probably handles interdepartmental communication well. By taking charge, the boss indicates his or her approachability and value for team members. If your boss does not lead by example, be the leader in your department. As an example of good communication and camaraderie, you open the doors to changes in the overall company morale. No department is an island, and enhancing interdepartmental communication can only improve employee satisfaction and a company’s bottom line.

Internal communication is important enough that someone should be designated to handle its facilitation, especially in medium or larger businesses. Smaller companies should still have systems and protocols in place, but may not need someone dedicated to watching over it. Increasing communication will cut down on errors, make your company look more professional and foster employee happiness.

Felicia Baratz is a freelance writer, graphic designer and social media addict living in Indianapolis, IN. As a contributor to ProfessionalIntern.com, Felicia discusses new, innovative technology and it’s relation to the business world and social media marketing.