The how, where and what of bathroom communication

Sure, blogs and the Employee Benefit News say communicating with employees while they’re in the office restroom is an effective practice. But how can you really make it work?

For communicators who have tried bathroom communications—through bulletin boards, newsletters or more creative methods—mileage has varied. Postings are more effective in certain spots than others, and some messages grab attention while others go unread. But employees often do get the point.

“No matter what, we know they have to use the loo,” says Cindy Smith-Putnam, executive director of business development, marketing and community relations at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. “While there, they are a captive audience, and it may be the only quiet moment in their day in which they have time to—ahem—sit and read.”

The how