At a time when companies are struggling with employee retention, internal networking is vital for individual and organisational growth, says Jean Evans
When you open any newspaper or listen to broadcasts, podcasts or news these days, you are hit with reports of people leaving the workforce.
Organisations are struggling to retain and recruit staff.
This is further fuelled by negative media reports on the crises our society is currently facing, from housing shortages to energy prices.
It is clear that something is simply not working. People are stressed and overwhelmed. They are feeling the pressure, they are time-stretched, and they don’t have enough balance in their lives.
Organisations are unsure of how to respond, leading to managers who are ill-equipped to deal with the changes needed in the workplace.
There simply isn’t enough time to learn and understand everything in this working environment.
Internal networking
While there is no magic wand to solve the problem of workplace churn, helping people to understand what it means and how to connect with others can help.
This is where internal networking comes in.
Organisations must make the time to coach and train employees on how to connect and learn about one another and grow to create a workplace community that supports them when they put their hand up for new projects, share ideas or need to overcome a challenge.
Where there are genuine connections and support in an organisation there is psychological safety. This can help to create a happier workforce that is focused on reaching shared strategic goals.
Organisational benefits
There are benefits for organisations that take the time to facilitate internal networking:
Knowledge sharing
Internal networking can facilitate the sharing of knowledge, ideas and expertise among colleagues, which can lead to greater innovation, improved decision-making and better problem-solving.
Career development
Networking with colleagues can provide opportunities for career development, such as mentorship, job shadowing or exposure to new projects and initiatives.
Improved communication
Networking can enhance communication within an organisation by promoting open dialogue, encouraging feedback and creating a culture of transparency, trust and confidence.
Increased job satisfaction
Building relationships with colleagues can create a sense of community and belonging, which can improve job satisfaction, employee retention and overall well-being.
Enhanced collaboration
Networking can promote collaboration and teamwork, which can lead to increased productivity, better outcomes and greater job satisfaction.
Professional growth
Networking can provide exposure to different perspectives, experiences and approaches, which can help professionals broaden their knowledge and skills.
Looking at company culture
How internal networking manifests itself depends on the culture of a company.
For it to work, everyone must be engaged and ready to buy into the powerful notion that having connections is crucial to any organisation’s success.
Jean Evans is a Networking Architect and Founder at NetworkMe
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