An echo can be described as a sound wave returning to its place of origin through reflection.1 In a figurative sense, we can also apply this concept to actions and reactions in communication.
Feedback Loops as a Valuable Communication Channel
To keep the internal communication channel open in both directions, we at AMOMED have not only opted for a proactive approach to communication for spreading information, e.g. through newsletters, virtual updates, etc. We consider receiving feedback from our team to be of even greater importance.
Since people are often reluctant to give open and honest feedback directly, we introduced an anonymous employee survey tool called TeamEcho. This platform makes it possible to obtain answers on general or specific topics by means of a 5-question poll, which is sent to employees every two weeks. Our staff responds to these questions by rating their answers on a scale of 1-5; plus, a comment can also be added anonymously to each answer. The questions are short and concise and therefore it takes less than two minutes to answer them all.
On the platform, the staff is divided into cross-departmental groups, which can view the respective group evaluation on a dashboard. The team leaders, mostly members of management, can then observe the development of the mood over time and react if necessary. The management can assess the general atmosphere in the company without needing to directly address the employees. Team leaders can respond directly to the anonymous comments or invite the person to discuss the issue at hand in order to find a solution together. This way, problem areas can be identified, and countermeasures can be taken.
Ask – Analyze – Improve
Through TeamEcho, HR and the management can ask questions about general topics, such as overall job satisfaction, work tasks or about the workspace provided by the company. But it can also be used to address specific situations. We took advantage of this option during the Corona home office period, when it was not possible for us to have personal contact in – or even outside – the office – for nine weeks.
However, in order to gain insight into how the team was doing during this trying time, tailor-made questions were raised for these unusual circumstances. On the one hand, we asked whether each employee had the necessary tools at their disposal at home to fulfil daily tasks. In addition, we inquired whether personal contacts with the outside world were not neglected during this very restricted situation. Plus, we also asked whether the internal communication with colleagues or by the management was sufficient, since formal and informal communication when working from home suffers when you can otherwise exchange a lot of information on even just the short walk to the kitchen.
Yet, TeamEcho was not only used by the staff to communicate their needs and concerns, but also to praise other departments on their handling of the COVID-19 situation from the home office. Throughout this time, we all had to try new options, find possibilities and test our limits. That’s why the positive feedback during these weeks was all the more valuable.
About AMOMED
Founded in 2006, AMOMED Pharma GmbH is an international pharmaceutical company based in Vienna. As an independent and privately managed company, we feel primarily committed to medical success for the patient.
Due to our proximity to science on the one hand and the practical relevance on the other hand, we support medical specialists and medical staff in the fields of intensive and emergency medicine, anesthesia, psychiatry and neurology.
Learn more or register here to gain access to our AmoMED Academy for studies and product insights. You can also contact us at office@amomed.com or +43 1 545 01 130. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.