Job Bulletin Board Ideas

The workplace bulletin board is the most convenient, effective way to communicate with employees. Besides being full of vital company information, display boards can also provide a form of entertainment by giving employees a nice place to take a break and catch up on company gossip. Section off a large bulletin board into various topics so that employees can get a variety of information.

Importance

• Convey safety rules and company notices to reemphasize or follow up on information previously distributed. Post a building map labeling key areas for emergencies, such as emergency exits, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, eye wash stations and evacuation routes. Reveal the number of workplace accidents each month. As they occur, post notices reminding employees of standard procedures to prevent recurrences.

  Other company communications to post include approaching deadlines to sign up for benefits or other programs, state or federal regulations, OSHA guidelines, impending required training sessions and company emergency contact information.

Considerations

• A portion of bulletin boards should inform employees of possibilities. Post company job openings to give ample opportunity for advancement. Employees feel more vested in a company that informs them of changes.

  Announce classes being held inside and outside the workplace that may interest employees. Also, list upcoming company events of optional participation or attendance, such as office parties, company-sponsored family events or community fundraisers.

Benefits

• Use bulletin boards to build workplace camaraderie, increase feelings of appreciation and foster company unity and teamwork. Congratulate employees for special achievements, such as birthdays, college graduations, weddings or births of children or grandchildren. Hang photos of award recipients for actions both inside and outside the office, and introduce and welcome new employees.

  Give credit where credit is due. Post any positive letters or comments from customers, upper management or business clients that refer to the company as a whole or cite particular departments or individuals.

Details

• Place boards where employees frequent or pass by several times a day. Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service suggests enclosing them in protective glass with locks to maintain control over their contents. The university reminds employers to follow basic steps when posting official matters for legal protection. Each post should contain the date the document was written, the date the procedure goes into effect and the date the item appeared on the board. Additionally, record the date you take it down, and file it away.

  Redesign and update the information often to hold workers' interest. Add eye-catching headers, photos, posters and bursts of color to draw attention. Post pictures taken at company events or around the office each month, and add clever captions or text bubbles. Consider designating a photo each week for a caption-writing contest to promote friendly competition.

Interaction

• Hang a comment or suggestion box at the bulletin board for employees to submit written concerns or comments for management. Nearly 10 percent of the submissions end up being complaints, claims Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service. Use this as a key way to create a more favorable work environment and make changes that result in happier, healthier employees.