By Kirsten Robinson

When it comes to employee and executive relations within a company, a little extra face time can go a long way. Establishing a connection between lower-level employees and C-level executives can help boost office morale, and increase the staff’s discretionary effort.

But, given everyone’s busy schedules, it’s often too difficult to create those connections.

So, what can you do to improve executive visibility with employees?

A member recently posed this question in our Employee Communications Forum, sparking a dialogue between executives offering suggestions on new and creative ways to reach the employee base. We also had a similar question asked separately in the forum, specifically on connecting the CEO with staff.

Here are a few key takeaways from the two discussions:

• Solicit Q&A. Companies have found success posting a “solicitation” for questions, and then asking the CEO or executive to answer them in a video posting. While other forms of media can be used to deliver answers, being able to see the executive speaking is a particularly authentic way.
• Blog. Blogs are a great way for executives to communicate thoughts and opinions to employees. But, one member in the discussion stressed the importance of taking time educating execs on what a blog is and isn’t, working on the approach/tone, and helping with topic. They also recommend avoiding “ghost blogging”—employees can tell whether it’s his or her voice.
• Hold breakfast sessions. Informal breakfast meetings set up a more relaxed atmosphere and provide an opportunity not only for executives to intermingle with employees, but for employees to meet one another. At one company, the CEO takes time to speak to each employee one on one, or in small groups.
• Schedule appearances. The most out-of-the-box response we heard was from a member whose company created an advice booth modeled after the Peanuts comic strip—when Lucy would sit and give advice to Charlie Brown. They set the booth up during lunch hours near the cafeteria, and executives take turns giving advice based on a schedule focused on various topics.

CEC members, learn more about what your peers are saying, and join the discussions in our Employee Communications Forum