The Heart of Employee Happiness is Communication: An Interview with Jozef Plško, PR & Communications Director at Alma Career

When we talk about happy and engaged employees, our minds often jump to salaries, benefits, and working conditions. However, there is another crucial factor that can significantly impact team satisfaction—communication. High-quality, open communication serves as a bridge between a successful organization and its employees, fostering trust, transparency, and a sense of belonging. 

At this year’s HR Days Conference, taking place from May 6 to 8 at Hotel Lone in Rovinj, Croatia, communication will take center stage in a workshop titled "The Heart of Employee Happiness: Communication." Led by Jozef Plško, PR & Communications Director at Alma Career, the session will explore how organizations can strengthen their communication strategies to improve employee satisfaction and retention. 

We sat down with Jozef to discuss the key elements of effective workplace communication and its role in building a thriving, engaged workforce. 

What are the core principles of successful communication that you believe are crucial for creating an open and trusting work environment? 

When talking about successful and trust-building communication, we need to talk about transparency and clarity. As Simon Sinek said, ‘Transparency breeds trust.’ I would also mention the consistency of our messages, empathy, and supporting feedback. These principles help create an open and trusting environment where information is shared openly, emotions and perspectives are understood, feedback is valued, and communication is clear and easy to understand.

In your opinion, how can effective communication help improve employee satisfaction and retention, especially in a fast-paced work environment? 

Effective communication makes a significant difference, particularly when teams operate in high-speed, demanding environments. Clear direction, well-defined goals, and structured feedback help employees feel aligned with the company's vision and objectives. 

Beyond that, communication plays a crucial role in strengthening team dynamics. Whether through one-on-one meetings, company events, or casual check-ins, open and honest conversations help build trust and a sense of belonging. 

In times of organizational change, what are the key strategies for communicating effectively to ensure employees feel informed, supported, and motivated? 

During times of change, clarity and honesty are essential. Organizations must start by addressing the fundamental questions: Why is this change happening? How will it affect employees? 

The most crucial part is kicking things off by answering the big questions: 'Why are we doing this?' and 'How is it going to happen?' It’s important to be upfront about both the positives and potential challenges. A strong communication strategy includes frequent updates, transparent messaging, and support systems like career development resources or counseling. Engaging employees in the process through feedback and discussions also helps ensure a smoother transition.

How can we balance formal and informal communication in the workplace, and how does this impact the relationship between managers and employees? 

Striking the right balance between formal and informal communication is key to creating an environment where employees feel both structured and approachable. While formal communication—such as emails and reports—ensures clarity and accountability, informal conversations help build relationships and foster collaboration. 

Stephen Covey once said, ‘Seek first to understand, then to be understood.’ Finding this balance creates a culture where employees feel encouraged to communicate openly, share ideas, and cooperate as a strong team.