How peer-to-peer communication improves employee performance?

Workspace communication challenges

It has long been established that communication is one of the most important activities both in public and private life. All our connections evolve from interactions. In the workspace, the success and survival of organisations depend on effective relationships between individuals and teams (Berger, 2008). Communication operates in three dimensions: the organization itself, the leader and peers (Curado et al., 2022). What is interesting is that people communicate differently around people they consider equals and those they consider their superiors. However, an unhealthy work environment can form a block at a peer level. When employees withhold information because of fear or for any other reason, it creates a culture of secrecy and defensiveness with workers isolating themselves from each other and forming exclusive groups. That is why it is crucial to improve peer-to-peer communication and foster a bond and trust between your employees. It will directly boost morale and allow higher productivity. How? Peer-to-peer communication can have a positive impact on employee performance in several ways.

Firstly, through peer learning and knowledge sharing.

One of the primary advantages of it is the enhancement of collaboration and teamwork. Learning from peers breaks barriers, workers can collaborate more efficiently, get a better understanding of each other’s expertise and working styles. Employees share ideas and experience; they can learn from each other’s best practices and mistakes; they gain new perspectives on challenges and work together on finding solutions. This, in turn, improves transparency and trust, leads to new ideas, better problem-solving and improved job performance.

Secondly, peer-to-peer communication allows for regular feedback and recognition.

Creating a positive team culture entails more than just receiving positive feedback from superiors. It is also very important to be acknowledged by colleagues, both for an individual achievement and for a success for the entire team. This feedback and recognition will motivate your employees to perform at their best.

Automating recognitions program

It looks quite clear that we need to have an easy-to-use platform where your employees can have open lines of communication with their peers. AlbiCoins offers not only a communication channel where your workers can provide constructive feedback, offer praise and acknowledge each other’s contributions. AlbiCoins operates with ‘coins’ which can be used in peer-to-peer recognition. In that model we offer the awarding mechanics where the coins award has to be approved by line manager or/and HR. Moreover, people can share coins with each other as a gesture of support or gratitude.

By being noticed and recognized, even for small accomplishments, people learn trust and support, and feel inspired to innovate and help each other. We use coins as a flexible and customizable tool. When employees can use collected coins in the benefits cafeteria, we complete the reward chain. We create an environment where peer-to-peer communication and supportive behavior are beneficial in the direct monetary dimension.

Thirdly, peer-to-peer communication is a critical part of employee engagement.

Subsequently leading to better performance, higher employee retention and enhanced wellbeing (Peters, 2023). Peer communication offers emotional support and camaraderie: when employees feel they can confide in their colleagues, it reduces stress and enhances overall wellbeing. This, in turn, can positively impact their job performance by reducing distractions and absenteeism. Peer-to-peer communication contributes to a positive work environment where employees feel connected and engaged with their colleagues and the organisation as a whole.

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