When you want to send a quick, simple message to your employees, email or interoffice messaging work great. But more often than you think, the better mode of communication is a staff meeting. In some situations, nothing can take the place of face-to-face discussions.

Discuss Company Progress

You should update your employees frequently on company progress, even if there have been no significant developments. When workers can see the big picture, they can better understand how their role contributes to the company’s goals. They feel more like valued stakeholders and may be more motivated and productive.

Keeping these lines of communication open can also be helpful when and if any problems or changes occur in the company. When management is transparent about company progress, employees are prepared to deal with change and are more willing to step up. And, a meeting can stop the rumor mill before it gets started.

Hold Trainings

Meetings are the most effective way to provide employee training. You may need to introduce new procedures or give refresher sessions to ensure quality control. The face-to-face setting (even if it’s done by video conference) encourages people to pay attention and ask questions.

They may even have opportunities for hands-on training. For example, when you hold training for new software, you could ask employees to bring their laptops and help one another to learn. Meetings also ensure that everyone is equally aware of important situations. Safety training helps inform employees about dangers in the workplace.

Team Building

Too often these days, employees are isolated in their daily routines. In the office, their interactions may be confined to a few colleagues in their department. Remote workers are even more isolated. This can lead to the “silo mentality,” where employees stop sharing ideas and feedback. Regular meetings can expand the horizons of communication and help build positive relationships—but only when employees are actively engaged. Rather than making a speech to a crowd, encourage comments, questions, and feedback. Breakout sessions are great team-builders.

When you regularly hold meetings, you might be surprised that your employees will come prepared to contribute and participate. Your employees will get to know what to expect and become more comfortable with speaking up and sharing ideas. You could see the benefits of meetings show up in better work satisfaction and more positive attitudes among employees.

Check out this article on how to make meetings more productive in the workplace!