According to Debbie Wilson-DeWitt, marketing and communications manager at Visix, Inc., and writing for Digital Signage Today, communication is what allows companies to share information, collaborate on projects and respond to customer needs.
However, when corporate silos are formed, communication is hindered, and the negative impacts on the business can be significant. Corporate silos are the organisational structures that exist within a company, where each department or team operates independently with little to no interaction with other departments. This can create barriers to the flow of information, ideas and resources, sometimes resulting in inefficiencies, duplicated efforts and missed opportunities for innovation and growth.
Corporate silos arise for many reasons, such as differences in priorities, conflicting goals, lack of trust and poor communication. Silos are often created when departments become too focused on their own goals and objectives, losing sight of the bigger picture. They can be particularly common in large organisations with complex structures and multiple layers of management, where each department may have a unique subculture and way of doing things.
Corporate silos often result in a lack of coordination and collaboration between departments, which can cause significant communication breakdowns. The impact of corporate silos on communications can be felt in many ways, and the following are some of the most significant negative impacts that silos have on communications.
Six Ways Digital Signage Breaks Down Silos
1. Encouraging Communication
Digital signage can share company news, updates and messages in real-time across multiple departments. This helps ensure that everyone is on the same page and opens up communication between departments.
2. Creating A Sense Of Community
Digital signage can be used to create a sense of community within the organisation by highlighting team successes, sharing employee achievements and recognising outstanding work. Personal milestones, such as birthdays and work anniversaries, can also be part of these efforts.
3. Sharing Information
Digital signage can be used to share information across departments. For example, one department can use screens to share product updates or important information about customer feedback with other departments.
4. Promoting Collaboration
Digital signage can promote collaboration by showcasing ongoing projects or initiatives that require input or assistance from other departments. This can help to encourage cross-functional collaboration and break down silos.
5. Highlighting Opportunities For Growth
Digital signage can highlight opportunities for growth within the organisation. For example, if a department is working on a new project or initiative that has the potential to benefit other departments, digital signs can promote this opportunity and encourage participation.
6. Displaying Training Materials
Corporate digital signage can also display training materials and resources that can be accessed by employees across departments. This can help to ensure that everyone has access to the same information and skills they need to perform their jobs effectively.
Corporate silos can have a significant negative impact on communication within an organisation. To overcome corporate silos, organisations need to foster a culture of collaboration and communication, encourage cross-functional teams and projects, and ensure that all departments are aligned with the organisation’s overall goals and objectives. By breaking down silos and promoting better communication via digital signage, companies can improve their efficiency, innovation and overall success.
This article appears in Digital Signage Today.
