In these times of uncertainty and rapid change, rumors whispered around the water cooler often carry more weight than even the best-written employee newsletters or executive speeches.

As Whitney Johnson explains in her blog post “Three Answers Every Employee Needs,” if you’re not communicating regularly to your employees about these three important questions, you may be missing a critical lever in your employee engagement toolbox: 

1.  Do I have a job?

Employees want more than a job description.  They need to feel that they belong, that what they do matters and that they have future potential. 

2.  Who do I report to?

With matrixed organizations, special assignments and cross-functional teams, it’s easy to get confused in today’s corporate environment.  Give employees role and reporting clarity, as well as clear metrics that will increase their productivity and reduce distractions.

3.  How will I get paid?

It isn’t just about the size of the paycheck. It’s the intangibles such as career development, mentorship, work-life balance, a seat at the table or the attention of superiors that really make the difference.

As Johnson notes, “whether surviving a merger or simply another day at the office, answering these three questions goes to the heart of retention and morale. If you can't answer them, it's time to roll up your sleeves.”

For more insight on this topic, read Whitney Johnson’s full post at Harvard Business Review.