Watson Wyatt Study Reveals Six Communication "Secrets" of Top-Performing Employers

WASHINGTON, December 4, 2007 – Six communication practices distinguish
high-performing companies from their competitors, according to a new study
by Watson Wyatt, a leading global consulting firm.

The 2007/2008 Communication ROI study™ found that companies with the most
effective communication programs had a 47 percent higher total return to
shareholders from 2002 to 2006, compared with companies that communicate
least effectively. Moreover, those companies are four times as likely to
report high levels of employee engagement as companies that communicate
least effectively.

The study identified these six practices of high-performing companies:

Focusing managers and other employees on customer needs
Engaging employees in running the business
Helping managers communicate effectively
Leveraging the talents of internal communicators to manage change
effectively
Measuring the impact of employee communication
Branding the employee experience
"Top-performing companies treat communication as a key business driver,"
said Kathryn Yates, global director of communication consulting at Watson
Wyatt. "They use communication to educate managers and engage employees in
the business by providing line-of-sight to customers’ needs and business
goals. Furthermore, by gaining insight into what top-performing companies
are doing, employers can reorient their communication programs, brand their
employee experience and make a difference in their business results."

Other significant trends:

More companies are communicating directly with employees on how their
actions affect the customer. The percentage of companies consistently
providing such feedback increased from 21 percent in 2003 to 39 percent in
2007.
Fewer than one in five respondents let employees weigh in on decisions that
affect them. Still, top financial performers are 10 times more likely to
invite employee feedback.
The percentage of companies treating managers as a distinct and important
audience for advance communication increased 7.5 percent with the top
financial performers 50 percent more likely as others to provide such
information.
"Effective communication programs address the whole gamut of employers'
relationships with employees, and help engage and motivate workers," Yates
said. "This is not just a 'feel-good' exercise. Companies that communicate
effectively with employees have an engaged workforce and superior financial
results."

The 2007/2008 Communication ROI study™ is based on responses from 264
companies. More information on the study is available here.

About Watson Wyatt Worldwide

Watson Wyatt (NYSE, NASDAQ: WW) is the trusted business partner to the
world’s leading organizations on people and financial issues. The firm’s
global services include: managing the cost and effectiveness of employee
benefit programs; developing attraction, retention and reward strategies;
advising pension plan sponsors and other institutions on optimal investment
strategies; providing strategic and financial advice to insurance and
financial services companies; and delivering related technology,
outsourcing and data services. Watson Wyatt has 7,000 associates in 31
countries and is located on the Web at www.watsonwyatt.com.

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