HondaGal,
Although I am not working in a real environment as I am a student, I was one of those people who "didn't check emails." I would often go months before logging on to check my school's email. I now read and reply within hours of emails. How? I carry an iPhone. IF it is possible for your company to "loan" out blackberrys/iPhones to crucial members of your staff (perhaps management?), it is very likely that this problem could be solved. I don't think any amount of reviews, suggestions or sanctions would help at ALL. I mean, I lost scholarships, internship opportunities, etc, because of my tardiness on emails, but the only thing that got me to start checking emails consistently was real connectivity.

 

Turn a negative into a positive.. The company I work for is a global company in the travel sector so changes are pretty common.

We do things called "buzz nights" on a monthly basis where important information is covered. The catch is that we do our buzz nights after work at either a pub, a bowls club or anywhere else outside of the office. Work pays for the drinks and food and its sold as a social time for everyone at work to get to konw each other and have a good time.

I'm not saying do them every month, but if its such a big change, maybe consider how much its worth to the company and maybe its worth investing a few dollars to get people together outside of work to listen. Booze is a good tool to use. Cover the large changes and then people then may be interested to read into it more.

Can't do much more other than a straight jacket for each employee and a slide show.

 

As a student, you didn't have an office. As employees with email accounts, they have a computer that they're in front of for a lot of the day.

The company I work for creates a memo of sorts with a spot for date and signature. Collect one for each employee and file with the rest of their employee information.

I think the email thing will depend on what kind of person you have. I like to read my emails right away, as I'd prefer to have emails I send read right away.

 

I think the issue is with your program management and executive management. Having been involved in a number of bank mergers, as well as global system implementations - - - clear, concise communication is key.

First, a program of this breadth and depth should have a communication plan laid out prior to launch. That communication plan should include the who, what, when of each message. Starting with the President/CEO's 'announcement' of the initiative, down to the line manager's communication about roles. I would suggest a dedicated intranet site with all relevant communications and a FAQ. Perhaps summaries of the 9 major projects under the over-arching program.

If this will impact an individual's livelihood ("even reassignment of duties"), this should be mentioned at the kick-off, and reinforced at a line-level meeting with staff. If answers cannot be provided on day 1, your communication with staff should include a timeline on when decisions impacting their positions will be made.

My opinion is cultural change is total BS - - - either your with the program, you adapt or you find a new place to work. In this economic environment, they don't really have much of a choice.

 

text messaging? send to facebook?

 

I really appreciate this thread as I have been having issues managing certain parts of my team and making sure everyone is up to speed with each other. (int. bus)

Thanks I wantyourcar for the great leads

 

I'm with Rugby. If these projets are THAT IMPORTANT, then spending time and money to communicate needs to be done. I'm in a global company, about 40,000 people. We have the corporate emails, the subscription based news feeds, etc... The reality is they only work if the person opens or goes to them.

In this case - YOU go to THEM. Mandatory departmental meetings where the high level basics are explained, and everyone hears the message about how updates will be delivered and the expectations of THEM to follow along based on their role, involvement or impact.

The only way to make sure that everyone hears a certain message is to deliver it right to them. Again, if its that important, mail a hardcopy (even in this day and age) to everyone's house.

 

I like the personal approach, one on one. Slap the employee across the face to get their attention. Make your announcement.

 

How about a simple 'upon the deposit of your paycheck, you are acknowledging that you have received all company emails/communications' or words to that effect?

 

I am with Rugby...

One word... government.

I asked my boss this question.. why worry about a communication strategy now. It should have been done a year ago. Typical government executive answer.
I am recommending redesign of the intranet to make this project front and centre with a forum to converse and ask questions. I am also thinking everyone has outlook 2007 and it has RSS built in. If our IT people subscribed all employees to the rss feed once the info page is set up, they might find this easier. You would not see .. oh just another long winded email from our leader.